Nuclear systems for Mars exploration

This paper identifies breakpoints for various power and propulsion technologies, with a special focus on fission-based sources in support of NASA´s Mars exploration program. Transportation, orbital, and surface missions are addressed through an assessment architecture developed for this study. This architecture is based on three key considerations; decomposition of generic Mars missions into phases, a lumped parameter approach, and a bounding case analysis. With these simplifications breakpoints are identified beyond which new technologies, such as nuclear fission power, are required to achieve mission objectives. It is found that in-space propulsion and power generation are sized by launch vehicle delivery limits and trajectory options. Similarly, power levels for surface-based reactors are affected by transportation system and EDL limits imposed by current technologies. After summarizing the breakpoints for today´s state of the art, development targets are identified to enable space-based nuclear power and propulsion systems to perform at their full potential.