The status and the main results achieved by Project 242 are presented. Project 242 is a programme (funded by ASI -1999/2002 from an idea of Carlo Rubbia) that studied a new concept of space propulsion motor by using direct conversion of the kinetic energy of fission fragments into increasing of enthalpy of a propellant gas. Project 242 studied the application of this propulsion system to a manned mission to Mars. Preliminary results were very satisfactory and it has been observed that a propulsion system with these characteristics could make the mission feasible. Results for other unmanned missions to the outer solar system are also presented.

Fission Fragments Direct Heating for Space Propulsion – Programme Synthesis and Applications to Space Exploration / M., Augelli; G. F., Bignami; Genta, Giancarlo. - In: ACTA ASTRONAUTICA. - ISSN 0094-5765. - STAMPA. - 82:(2013), pp. 153-158. [10.1016/j.actaastro.2012.04.007]

Fission Fragments Direct Heating for Space Propulsion – Programme Synthesis and Applications to Space Exploration

GENTA, GIANCARLO
2013

Abstract

The status and the main results achieved by Project 242 are presented. Project 242 is a programme (funded by ASI -1999/2002 from an idea of Carlo Rubbia) that studied a new concept of space propulsion motor by using direct conversion of the kinetic energy of fission fragments into increasing of enthalpy of a propellant gas. Project 242 studied the application of this propulsion system to a manned mission to Mars. Preliminary results were very satisfactory and it has been observed that a propulsion system with these characteristics could make the mission feasible. Results for other unmanned missions to the outer solar system are also presented.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2526347
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