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Enabling a New Generation of Outer Solar System Missions: Engineering Design Studies for Nuclear Electric Propulsion

Whitepaper #011 submitted to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032. Topics: other: Outer Solar System Exploration; technology development

Published onMar 18, 2021
Enabling a New Generation of Outer Solar System Missions: Engineering Design Studies for Nuclear Electric Propulsion

A nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) capability would enable and enhance outer solar system missions that cannot be done with radioisotope power systems. We highlight 10-kWe NEP benefits to encourage NASA SMD to advocate (as a potential beneficiary) for NASA’s plan to develop Kilopower, and to motivate further 10-kWe NEP–related concept studies.

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