The Fission Fragment Rocket Engine for Mars Fast Transit

TL;DR

This paper explores innovative design strategies for Fission Fragment Rocket Engines to enable faster Mars transit, focusing on reducing size and weight through novel materials and operational methods.

Contribution

It introduces new approaches such as metallic deuterides, electron beam bremsstrahlung, and subcritical operation to improve FFRE performance and feasibility.

Findings

Potential for significantly reduced transit times to Mars.

Feasibility of using subcritical assemblies in FFREs.

Advancements in materials for lighter, more efficient engines.

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the advantages and challenges of utilizing Fission Fragment Rocket Engines (FFREs) to dramatically reduce transit time in space travel, for example, traveling to Mars. We discuss methods to decrease the size and weight of FFREs. These include utilizing metallic deuterides as moderators, driving the engines with electron beam bremsstrahlung, and operating the FFREs as subcritical assemblies, not as nuclear reactors. We discuss these and other new innovations based upon improved materials and technology that may be integrated into a revolutionary nuclear rocket technology.