Editorial Team - SatNow
A nuclear propulsion system for satellites consists of a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) system. The NTP involves heating a liquid propellant like liquified hydrogen within a nuclear reactor, causing rapid expansion and subsequent ejection through a nozzle to create thrust. NEP generates electricity from a nuclear reactor, which is then used to ionize an inert gas propellant (such as xenon or krypton). Both NTP and NEP are being considered for deep-space missions, especially for extending human presence beyond Earth's orbit, as traditional chemical propulsion systems become less effective in these environment.
Components of Nuclear Propulsion Systems for Satellites
Types of Nuclear Propulsion Systems
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