What are the current advancements in thermal nuclear propulsion systems for space exploration?
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Current advancements in thermal nuclear propulsion systems for space exploration include the development of numerical approaches to solve thermo-elastic equations and the implementation of the ntpThermo code for solving these equations . The Basilisk multiphysics framework has also been extended to perform full-core coupled neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and thermo-mechanical analysis of nuclear thermal propulsion reactors . These analyses have demonstrated the importance of incorporating thermo-mechanical feedback within an integrated multiphysics solution sequence for the consistent design of future nuclear thermal propulsion systems . Additionally, highly efficient nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems have been proposed for deep space exploration missions to Jupiter and Saturn, with trajectory analysis highlighting the complexities of Earth escape and planetary orbital insertion . The use of NTP-powered missions with a single high-performance-class commercial launch vehicle has shown the potential to deliver large strategic science missions to Jupiter and Saturn in relatively short timeframes .
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| Papers (4) | Insight |
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2 Citations | The provided paper does not discuss current advancements in thermal nuclear propulsion systems for space exploration. The paper focuses on a numerical investigation and parametric study on thermal-hydraulic characteristics of particle bed reactors for nuclear thermal propulsion. |
| The provided paper does not discuss current advancements in thermal nuclear propulsion systems for space exploration. | |
| The provided paper discusses the numerical approach and analysis of full-core coupled neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and thermo-mechanical aspects of nuclear thermal propulsion reactors. It does not specifically mention current advancements in thermal nuclear propulsion systems for space exploration. | |
2 Citations | The paper discusses the use of highly efficient nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) for deep space exploration missions to Jupiter and Saturn. It does not provide information on current advancements in NTP systems for space exploration. |
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