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Engine System Integration and Analysis
Completed
TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Description
The goal of the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) technology development Engine System Integration and Analysis task is to determine the feasibility and affordability of using low enriched uranium to power engines on a space transportation vehicle with solid cost and schedule confidence. This effort leverages government, industry and academic expertise to establish a conceptual design for a nuclear powered propulsion engine in the thrust range of interest for a human Mars missions.
Benefits
This project feeds into the overall NTP development plan to create advanced propulsion systems to reduce travel times for crewed missions.
Details
| Technology area | Propulsion Systems > Advanced Propulsion > Nuclear Thermal Propulsion |
| Program | Game Changing Development (GCD) |
| Lead organization | Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL |
| Start date | 2016-01-07 |
| End date | 2018-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.