DETERMINATION OF NUCLEAR-ROCKET POWER LEVELS FOR UNMANNED MARS VEHICLES STARTING FROM ORBIT ABOUT EARTH
Abstract
Nuclear-powered Earth-orbital-launch probes can place greater payloads in orbit about Mars than chemical vehicles if reactor power exceeds 50 mw. Suitable reactor powers for this missionARE ABOUT 150, 400, AND 1000 MW FOR 33,000-, 81,000-, AND 200,000-LB VEHICLES, RESPECTIVELY. Whereas a 33,000-lb vehicle requires greater than a 200-day coast, a 145-day coast is feasible for an 81,000-lb vehicle. A hydrogen temperature of 4000 F in the nozzle appears to be a good compromise. Use of a solid-propellant rocket to achieve an orbit about Mars from coast yields no payload advantage. Using optimum firing dates, a 33,000-lb vehicle could orbit an acceptable payload about Mars, and an 81,000-lb vehicle could land freight on Mars. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0270081
Entities
People
- James W. Miser
- Richard H. Cavicchi
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration