David R. McCurdy
Papers
1
Total Citations
6
H-Index
1
About
David R. McCurdy is a distinguished propulsion researcher whose work centers on advanced nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) technology for deep space exploration. His most cited study, "Near Earth Asteroid Human Mission Possibilities Using Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) Propulsion" (2012), demonstrates how NTR systems—proven through the historic Rover and NERVA programs—can enable human missions to near-Earth asteroids. McCurdy’s key contribution lies in quantifying how NTR’s high thrust and specific impulse (~900 seconds, double that of chemical rockets) dramatically reduce travel times and mission risks. With 6 citations, this paper has informed NASA’s evolving architecture for crewed asteroid and Mars missions. McCurdy’s work bridges decades-old nuclear propulsion heritage with modern mission design, offering a practical pathway to expand humanity’s reach beyond low Earth orbit. His analysis remains a foundational reference for researchers exploring nuclear thermal propulsion as a critical enabler for sustainable deep space exploration.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1