Bill L. Pierce

The ENABLER—based on proven NERVA technology

The ENABLER reactor for use in a nuclear thermal propulsion engine uses the technology developed in the NERVA/Rover program, updated to incorporate advances in the technology. Using composite fuel, higher power densities per fuel element, improved radiation resistant control components and the advancements in use of carbon‐carbon materials; the ENABLER can provide a specific impulse of 925 seconds, an engine thrust to weight (excluding reactor shield) approaching five, an improved initial Mass In Low Earth Orbit (IMLEO) and a consequent reduction in launch costs and logistics problems. This paper describes the 75,000 lbs thrust ENABLER design which is a low cost, low risk approach to meeting tomorrow’s space propulsion needs.

Application of the enabler to nuclear electric propulsion

This paper describes a power system concept that provides the electric power for a baseline electric propulsion system for a piloted mission to Mars. A 10‐MWe space power system is formed by coupling an Enabler reactor with a simple non‐recuperated closed Brayton cycle. The Enabler reactor is a gas‐cooled reactor based on proven reactor technology developed under the NERVA/Rover programs. The selected power cycle, which uses a helium‐xenon mixture at 1920 K at the turbine inlet, is diagramed and described. The specific mass of the power system over the power range from 5 to 70 MWe is given. The impact of operating life on the specific mass of a 10‐MWe system is also shown.