Nuclear Propulsion for Human Exploration: the Mars and Moon case

Paper number

IAC-09.C4.7.-C3.5.1

Author

Dr. andrea lorenzoni, ASI, Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Moira Bellachioma, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Giuseppe Bove, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Antonio Lancieri, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Paolo Montefusco, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Ferdinando Montemari, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Maria Cristina Oliva, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Andrea Pacciani, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Diego Poleggi, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Romina Renzi, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Maria Alberica Saporetti, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Marianna Verdino, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Francesca Zaccaro, Aerospace Engineering School, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy

Year

2009

Abstract

Human space exploration beyond the earth low orbit is going to become the most important program in the next decades.
Its strategic targets are mainly aimed to increase the knowledge of the solar system and to verify the conditions for  future colonization.
The aforementioned can be realized by identifying and exploiting the wide range of new technologies needed for this historical milestone. In particular, the current robotics survey campaign to Mars is going to be the technology test-bed and should confirm that this planet could meet our exploration expectations.  

To improve and realize this “human dream”,  all the participating Space Agencies should involve their proper academic, industrial and  commercial Parties,  with the purpose to concentrate and get synergy of all kind of resources, establishing on around the forth decade of this century the date of the effective start for the first crew towards the red planet.  

The architecture of  the human mission to Mars has numerous proposal and options, going from “ low-cost” flights  to the  “long-train”. From the technology viewpoint it is needed to develop the following: 

\begin{itemize}\item modularity of systems, including a next generation avionics; \end{itemize}

\begin{itemize}\item nuclear Propulsion (NP), to allow affordable duration and safe Earth-Mars round-trips. \end{itemize}
 
\begin{itemize}\item crew transfer mode among spacecrafts during the trip; \end{itemize}

\begin{itemize}\item outpost locations (low earth orbit, Mars orbit, Mars surface) to provide a viable mission architecture. \end{itemize}

The results of the design of a Mars mission are here presented. This work assumes long duration stay on Mars surface. 

This paper analyzes in detail and defines two Mars mission architectures: chemical (LOX/LH2) and NP thermal. Detailed mass, power and volume sizing are presented and compared, showing that NPT propulsion has a clear advantage over chemical. An identical short  analysis is given for the manned Moon mission.
By adopting some form of NP in some experimental  Lunar trip within the frame of the NASA Lunar Exploration Program  may increase preliminary experience of this technology, already tested in the past. 

Abstract document

IAC-09.C4.7.-C3.5.1.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-09.C4.7.-C3.5.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.