93-190
A Cost Analysis For A Nuclear Space Tug
Lynette F. Ortiz*
Abstract
This paper is an investigation of the cost effectiveness of using a nuclear thermal propulsion engine (NTPE) to transfer payload from a low Earth orbit (LEO) to a geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). Costs are calculated for single and multiple uses of NTPEs and are compared with using a chemical rocket engine to perform the same task. The reusability and high performance of the NTPE has the potential for significant cost reductions.
*Undergraduate Student. Department of Aerospace Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, California 92182-0183