A nuclear-electric rocket uses a compact nuclear fission reactor to generate electrical power, which then drives an ion or Hall-effect thruster. Unlike thermal rockets that use the reactor's heat directly to expand a gas, this system converts the heat to electricity to ionize and accelerate a heavy noble gas like xenon. It provides extremely high specific impulse but very low thrust, making it suitable for long-duration deep space missions.
Heard on the job
The payload mass is too high for solar arrays, so the design team is evaluating a nuclear-electric rocket to reach the outer planets.
Also heard as
- NEP