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.