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Accession Number
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N20120014197
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Title
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Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.
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Publication Date
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Mar 2012
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Media Count
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29p
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Personal Author
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H. P. Gerrish J. A. George J. W. Broadway M. G. Houts R. B. Adams R. R. Hickman S. K. Borowski T. Kim W. J. Emrich
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Abstract
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The fundamental capability of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is game changing for space exploration. A first generation Nuclear Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (NCPS) based on NTP could provide high thrust at a specific impulse above 900 s, roughly double that of state of the art chemical engines. Characteristics of fission and NTP indicate that useful first generation systems will provide a foundation for future systems with extremely high performance. The role of the NCPS in the development of advanced nuclear propulsion systems could be analogous to the role of the DC-3 in the development of advanced aviation. Progress made under the NCPS project could help enable both advanced NTP and advanced NEP.
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Keywords
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Cryogenics
Fission
High thrust
Nuclear propulsion
Propulsion system configurations
Propulsion system performance
Rocket thrust
Space exploration
Specific impulse
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Source Agency
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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NTIS Subject Category
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84 - Space Technology
81I - Nuclear Propulsion
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Corporate Author
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Huntsville, AL. George C. Marshall Space Flight Center.
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Document Type
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Conference proceedings
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Title Note
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N/A
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NTIS Issue Number
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1305
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Contract Number
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N/A
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