CURRENT PROPULSION SYSTEMS

This report details current and near future propulsion technologies capable of transporting high mass payloads interplanetary distances within reasonable time constraints. Consisting of two primary categories for differing propulsion methods, each current and developing system potentially capable of fulfilling the stated requirements is comparatively analyzed against alternate technologies. Finally, this report assesses the viability of the propulsion system in meeting the mission constraints through the examination of technological development, current implementation, and overall performance. In assessing technologies fulfilling the requirements within the two propulsion categories, two technologies are recommended by this report to best meet the conditions for validity. From the electric propulsion categorical type, the VASIMR electrothermal propulsion system is recommended as the most viable form of electric propulsion. In the nuclear propulsion category, the current MICF-based NPP..