Nuclear Systems for Mars Explorationit

This paper identifies breakpoints for various power and propulsion technologies, with a special focus on fission-based sources in support of NASA’s Mars exploration program. Transportation, orbital, and surface missions are addressed through an assessment architecture developed for this study. This architecture is based on three key considerations: decomposition of generic Mars missions into phases, a lumped parameter approach, and a bounding case analysis. With these simplifications breakpoints are identified beyond which new technologies, such as nuclear fission power, are required to achieve mission objectives. It is found that in-space propulsion and power generation are sized by launch vehicle delivery limits and trajectory options. Similarly, power levels for surface-based reactors are affected by transportation system and EDL limits imposed by current technologies. After summarizing the breakpoints for today’s state of the art, development targets are identified to enable space-based nuclear power and propulsion systems to perform at their full potential.