MARS/EUROPA INPPS: All right for UN NPS Principles

Paper number

IAC-19,E3,IP,4,x52050

Author

Dr. Frank Jansen, Germany, DLR (German Aerospace Center)

Coauthor

Dr. Tim Brandt, Czech Republic

Coauthor

Mr. Jan Thimo Grundmann, Germany, DLR (German Aerospace Center)

Coauthor

Prof. Anatoly S. Koroteev, Russian Federation, Keldych Research Centre

Coauthor

Dr. Jim Kuijper, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Christopher Lehnert, Germany, DLR (German Aerospace Center)

Coauthor

Mr. Martin Reynders, Germany, German Aerospace Centre (DLR)

Coauthor

Dr. Lars Schanz, Germany, DLR (German Aerospace Center)

Coauthor

Dr. Bernhard Schmidt-Tedd, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)

Coauthor

Dr. Alexander Semenkin, Russian Federation, Keldych Research Centre

Coauthor

Dr. Alexander E. Soludukhin, Russian Federation, Keldych Research Centre

Year

2019

Abstract

The presentation gives an overview of the current plans for the INPPS (International Nuclear Power and Propulsion System) flagship design as well as related scenarios for utilization and puts the efforts in context to legal and political challenges. In the last years (2017/2018) significant technological process has been achieved as the nuclear reactor, radiator and propulsion subsystems of INPPS flagship as well as has successfully passed partial ground testing. Thus the next step towards the INPPS goal of efficient and effective transport missions to Mars / Phobos, Jupiter / Europa has been taken. 

Hence, it is important to consider wider aspects for the overall mission implementation phase. Mission’s components such as the nuclear reactor as the power source for the propulsion system will have to overcome legal constraints related to the 1992 UN principles relevant to the use of nuclear power sources (NPS) in outer space as well as public scrutiny at a time of low appetite for nuclear energy before implementation. Therefore in addition to an update of current technical state of art, this paper will look into the political questions related to the mission design, requirements of associated safety regulations and economic aspects for INPPS flagship commercialization and international communication. 

The paper will show that the rationales for pursuing the implementation of this flagship mission are derived from a technological push but also from wider strategic aspects that benefit a variety of stakeholders and serve multiple goals. 

The interactive presentation will be prepared with video clips related to INPPS design, radiation issues interplanetary trajectories as well as commercialization and international communication aspects.

Abstract document

IAC-19,E3,IP,4,x52050.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,E3,IP,4,x52050.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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