Future NTP Development Synergy Leveraged from Current J-2X Engine Development

Abstract

This paper is a discussion of how the many long‐lead development elements required for the realization of a future nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system can be effectively leveraged from the ongoing work being conducted on the J‐2X engine program for the Constellation Program. Development studies conducted to date for NTP forward planning have identified a number of technical areas that will require advancement to acceptable technology readiness levels (TRLs) before they can be utilized in NTP system development. These include high‐temperature, high‐area ratio nozzle extension; long‐life, low‐NPSP turbomachinery; and low‐boiloff propellant management, and a qualified nuclear fuel element. The current J‐2X program is working many of these areas that can be leveraged to support NTP development in a highly compatible and synergistic fashion. In addition to supporting technical development, there are other programmatic issues being worked in the J‐2X program that can be leveraged by a future NTP development program. These include compliance with recently‐evolved space system requirements such as human‐rating, fault tolerance and fracture control. These and other similar mandatory system requirements have been adopted by NASA and can result in a significant technical impact beyond elevation of the root technologies required by NTP. Finally, the exploitation of experience, methodologies, and procedures developed by the J‐2X program in the areas of verification, qualification, certification, altitude simulation testing, and facility definition will be especially applicable to a future NTP system. The similarities in system mission (in‐space propulsion) and operational environment (vacuum, zero‐gee) between J‐2X and NTP make this highly synergistic. Thus, it can be shown that the collective benefit of leveraging experience and technologies developed during the J‐2X program can result in significant savings in development cost and schedule for NTP.