Comparison of Chemical and Nuclear Propulsion for Lunar and Cislunar Transportation Systems

Abstract

Nuclear (NERVA) solid-core propulsion systems are compared to advanced cryogenic (F2/H2 and O2/H2) chemical propulsion systems for an orbit- to-orbit vehicle operating in the earth-moon space. The orbit-to-orbit vehicle is assumed to use propellants delivered by a reusable earth-to-orbit shuttle (EOS). High-velocity-increment missions (lunar and geostationary orbit) are emphasized. Optimum operating regimes for reusable and expendable chemical and nuclear systems are indicated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0731963

Entities

People

  • Reinald G. Finke
  • Robert C. Oliver

Organizations

  • Institute for Defense Analyses

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Apogees
  • Earth Orbits
  • Expendable
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Lunar Exploration
  • Materials
  • Moon
  • Nuclear Propulsion
  • Orbits
  • Payload
  • Perigees
  • Propellants
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Rocket Engines
  • Spacecraft
  • Volume

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Rocket Propulsion.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Orbital Debris