Nuclear Thermal Propulsion with Only Special Nuclear Material of Low Strategic Significance (Category Ⅲ)

摘要

A NTP concept is presented that only uses special nuclear material of low strategic significance (NRC Category Ⅲ). The preliminary neutronic models, thermal calculations and mass estimates indicate that such a reactor can meet NASA's performance goals for a NTP manned Mars mission. Additionally, a NTP system that uses Cat. Ⅲ material would presumably have lower development risk and cost than a Cat. Ⅱ NTR and almost certainly lower development risk and cost than a Cat. INTR that uses HEU.