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Mission to Mars: How to Get People There and Back with Nuclear Energy

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Mission to Mars: How to Get People There and Back with Nuclear Energy MISSION TO MARS: HOW TO GET PEOPLE THERE AND BACK WITH NUCLEAR ENERGY 22.033 Final Design Report Nuclear Engineering Department Massachusetts Institute of Technology Spring 2003 Team Members: Vasek Dostal Knut Gezelius Jack Horng John Koser Joseph E. Palaia, IV Eugene Shwageraus Pete Yarsky Acknowledgements: The team would like to thank Kalina Galabova and Nilchiani Roshanak for their valuable contributions to this project. The team would also like to extend thanks to the course advisor, Dr. Kadak, for his instruction and guidance in completing the assigned task. Table of Contents List of Figures..................................................................................................................................v List of Tables ............................................................................................................................... vii Abstract............................................................................................................................................1 1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................3 2.0 Mars Exploration Mission Plan ...........................................................................................5 2.1 Introduction to Mission Plan....................................................................................5 2.2 Earth-Mars Transit Breakdown................................................................................6 2.2.1 Hohmann Transfer .......................................................................................7 2.2.2 Early Nuclear - Electric Propulsion Transfers.............................................7 2.2.3 Power and Propulsion System Return..........................................................8 2.2.4 Nuclear Powered VASIMR Fast Crew Transfer .........................................8 2.3 Overview of Proposed Missions ............................................................................10 2.4 Mars Nuclear Powered Telecommunications Satellite..........................................11 2.5 Overview of Proposed Magnum Launch Vehicle..................................................14 2.6 Mars Sample Return and Technology Demonstrator Mission...............................16 2.7 Transit Habitat Testing and Verification at the ISS...............................................20 2.8 Manned Missions...................................................................................................21 2.8.1 Launch Opportunity 1................................................................................21 2.8.2 Launch Opportunity 2................................................................................28 2.8.3 Crew 1 Return and Launch Opportunity 3.................................................35 2.8.4 Crew 2 Return and Launch Opportunity 4.................................................38 2.9 Prospective on Continued Exploration and Conclusion ........................................40 2.10 Conclusion .............................................................................................................41 2.11 References for Mission Section .............................................................................41 3.0 Decision Methodology ......................................................................................................43 3.1 Overview................................................................................................................43 3.2 Four-Step Methodology.........................................................................................43 3.3 Application of MAUT............................................................................................45 3.4 Case Study on Surface Reactor..............................................................................47 3.5 Conclusion .............................................................................................................55 3.6 References..............................................................................................................55 4.0 Space Power System: ........................................................................................................57 4.1 Space Propulsion Options ....................................................................................57 4.1.1 Introduction................................................................................................57 4.1.2 Choice of Propulsion System for Precursor Missions ...............................58 4.1.3 Manned Mission Propulsion System .........................................................60 4.1.4 References..................................................................................................61 i 4.2 Space Reactor Power System.................................................................................62 4.2.1 Introduction................................................................................................62 4.2.2 Spaced Nuclear Reactor Design.................................................................63 4.2.3 References..................................................................................................78 4.3 Thermo Photovoltaic (TPV) Primer.......................................................................79 4.3.1 Overview....................................................................................................79 4.3.2 Introduction of TPV...................................................................................79 4.3.3 The Chosen Material for TPV Cells ..........................................................82 4.3.4 Structure of TPV Cells...............................................................................82 4.3.5 Filter and Spectral Shaping........................................................................83 4.3.6 Layers.........................................................................................................83 4.3.7 Photon Recirculation..................................................................................83 4.3.8 Performance of TPV – Efficiency and Power Density ..............................84 4.3.9 Space Power TPV Energy Conversion System .........................................84 4.3.10 References..................................................................................................85 4.4 MSFR Thermal Hydraulics ...................................................................................86 4.4.1 Introduction................................................................................................86 4.4.2 Analysis .....................................................................................................86 4.4.3 Power Conversion System .........................................................................90 4.4.4 References..................................................................................................92 4.5 Pump Selection for MSFR ....................................................................................92 4.5.1 Introduction................................................................................................92 4.5.2 Comparison................................................................................................92 4.5.3 References..................................................................................................94 4.6 Shielding of the MSFR .........................................................................................94 4.6.1 Introduction................................................................................................94 4.6.2 Key Parameters ..........................................................................................94 4.6.3 Design Options ..........................................................................................95 4.6.4 Water Tank.................................................................................................95 4.6.5 Special Shield ............................................................................................95 4.6.6 Design Methodology..................................................................................96 4.6.7 Physical Implementation............................................................................98 4.6.8 Limitations of Study ..................................................................................98 4.6.9 General Comments on Radiation in Space ................................................99 4.6.10 References................................................................................................100 5.0 Surface Power System: ....................................................................................................101 5.1 Surface Power System Reactor (CECR) ..........................................................101 5.1.1 Introduction..............................................................................................101 5.1.2 Design Goals............................................................................................101 5.1.3 Design Methodology................................................................................102 5.1.4 Viable Alternatives ..................................................................................108 5.1.5 Assumptions.............................................................................................109 5.1.6 Core Design .............................................................................................109
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