DESIGN OPTIMIZATION OF A NUCLEAR REACTOR FOR EARTH-TO-ORBIT APPLICATIONS

Development of cost-effectiv e propulsion technology for Earth-to-orbit (ETO) launch vehicles using nuclear fission reactors is addressed in this paper. The Nuclear Enhanced Airbreathing Rocket (NEAR) is an engine concept that utilizes nuclear power in combination with an airbreathing rocket. This study considers the capability of a NERVA-derivative reactor (NDR) as a power source for the NEAR launch system. An NDR was sized based on desired stagnation chamber conditions and a power requirement. Results of the work detailed in this paper indicate that the design of the NDR can be effectively optimized to meet the specifications for a reactor core having coolant channels with diameters less than or equal to 1.0 inch.