Nuclear and Future Flight Propulsion: Public Forum

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  • 1.  Nuclear Fission ~> MHD ~> MPD

    Posted 14 Jul, 2025 02:55

    Hello,

    Has the process of utilizing Nuclear fission to produce electricity via a MagnetoHydroDynamic generator that powers a MagnetoPlasmaDynamic Propulsion system been investigated?

    These would need to be two novel designs in developing fields, but together they would break the thrust vs isp dichotomy, while addressing the durability limitations of current plasma thrusters.

    Jonathan Volden



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    Jonathan Volden
    Volden Aerospace
    Carlsbad CA
    (808)255-3381
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  • 2.  RE: Nuclear Fission ~> MHD ~> MPD

    Posted 20 Jul, 2025 14:32
      |   view attached

    Near Term Utilization of NTP For Deep Space Missions - For those Interested in how to put an NTP engine into use by modifying an existing Liquid Hydrogen Upper Stage, on an existing heavy lift launcher to facilitate near term use, see the attached report. Many thanks, Ben



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    Ben Donahue
    Boeing Defense, Space & Security
    PI, Space Launch System Mission Planning and Applications
    Huntsville, AL
    (256)464-3237
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