Status of Assessing the Indirect Nuclear Propulsion Concept

Recently a study has been initiated by NASA 's Project Prometheus to assess an alternative nuclear propulsion system concept, know as the Indirect Nuclear Propulsion Concept, from a technical and utility feasibility standpoint. Features and potential of this in - space propulsion system concept are identified. The initial study effort is focused on development of a baseline INP system design model, which is the primary f ocus of this paper. Details pertaining to the approach, features and initial demonstration results associated with this on -going model development are presented. Proposed future plans to complete development of the concept design model and to assess its fe asibility are also discussed.