Project 242: Fission fragments direct heating for space propulsion—Programme synthesis and applications to space exploration
2012; Elsevier BV; Volume: 82; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/j.actaastro.2012.04.007
ISSN1879-2030
AutoresM. Augelli, G. F. Bignami, Giancarlo Genta,
Tópico(s)Rocket and propulsion systems research
ResumoAbstract The status and the main results achieved by Project 242 are presented. Project 242 is a programme (funded by ASI—1999/2002 from an idea of Carlo Rubbia) that studied a new concept of space propulsion motor by using direct conversion of the kinetic energy of fission fragments into increasing of enthalpy of a propellant gas. Project 242 studied the application of this propulsion system to a manned mission to Mars. Preliminary results were very satisfactory and it has been observed that a propulsion system with these characteristics could make the mission feasible. Results for other unmanned missions to the outer solar system are also presented.
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