AUTHOR=Gahl J. , Gillespie A. K. , Duncan R. V. , Lin C. 

TITLE=The fission fragment rocket engine for Mars fast transit

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Space Technologies

VOLUME=4

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/space-technologies/articles/10.3389/frspt.2023.1191300

DOI=10.3389/frspt.2023.1191300

ISSN=2673-5075

ABSTRACT=<p>In this paper we discuss the advantages and challenges of utilizing Fission Fragment Rocket Engines (FFREs) to dramatically reduce transit time in space travel, for example, traveling to Mars. We discuss methods to decrease the size and weight of FFREs. These include utilizing metallic deuterides as moderators, driving the engines with electron beam bremsstrahlung, and operating the FFREs as subcritical assemblies, not as nuclear reactors. We discuss these and other new innovations based upon improved materials and technology that may be integrated into a revolutionary nuclear rocket technology.</p>