SP‐100 Dynamic Power and Lithium‐Propellant MPD Nuclear Electric Propulsion Technology Requirements

The objective of this study was to evaluate the requirements (including system integration, design, test requirements, and schedule) for the propulsion and power conversion systems of a nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) vehicle using an SP‐100 reactor with a dynamic power conversion system, Li‐propellant magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, Li‐propellant storage and feed systems, and the power conditioning electronics required to convert the power output from the power system to the form (voltage, current) needed by the thrusters. Potassium‐Rankine power conversion systems have the potential for the greatest mission benefit in terms of minimum mass and volume (as compared to Brayton or Stirling power conversion systems), but they require the most development. High‐current, low‐voltage turboalternators are needed for the MPD thruster system envisioned here, although one alternative would be to use more near‐term high‐voltage alternators at the potential cost of higher rectifier losses or added transformer...