Options for a 30 kWe SP-100 flight demonstration

Abstract

Possible mission scenarios for a 30 kWe reactor demonstration are considered. An NEP arcjet spacecaft design utilizing state of the art technology is outlined, and mission performance with launches from Kennedy Space Center using Titan 4, Titan 3, and Atlas 2AS ELVs is described. Performance data are represented parametrically with payload mass and trip time presented as a function of maneuver velocity increment delta-V. The latter is also presented as a function of final altitude and inclination change so that specific mission maneuvers can be examined.