Advanced propulsion options for human exploration of Mars

What is it about?

Current state-of-the-an propulsion systems will result in high mass in low Earth orbit for Mars exploration missions. In addition to mass penalties, high life cycle costs will result from expendable hardware mission scenarios associated with chemical propulsion. Advanced propulsion has potential benefits in terms of lower initial mass in Earth orbit, lower life cycle costs, higher reliability, and others when compared to chemical propulsion. This paper provides an analysis of several advanced propulsion options, including Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP), Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), Solid Core Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTR), and Gas Core Nuclear Thermal Rockets. Other advanced propulsion systems are described briefly, but not analyzed in detail. Analysis of these options incorporates technology development and projections from some of the Nation's leading technology centers. This technology is integrated with the work being performed by Boeing Advanced Civil Space Systems for NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in the Space Transfer Concepts and Analyses for Exploration Missions (STCAEM) contract study. Mission scenarios that benefit individual propulsion options are presented, revealing advantages and disadvantages of each option. Advanced propulsion may pave the way for man to reach the surface of Mars in a cost efficient, reliable manner

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