DEMOCRITOS Demonstrators for Realization of Nuclear Electric Propulsion of the European Roadmaps MEGAHIT & DiPoP

Abstract

The European Commission Horizon 2020 funded DEMOCRITOS project (2015-2017) will be primary focused to prepare preliminary design of the ground, core and space demonstrators and their test benches for the mega-watt class nuclear electric space propulsion INPPS flagship (International Nuclear Power and Propulsion System). In addition programmatic, organizational and funding aspects for international cooperation related to INPPS realization are sketched. The new project includes partners from Europe, Russia and the Brazilian guest observer IEAv and is the follow-up of the mega-watt class nuclear electric propulsion European-Russian MEGAHIT project (www.megahit-eu.org). In Europe was already established the high power nuclear MEGAHIT and the low power nuclear (20 to 200 kW NEP) DiPoP (www.DiPoP.eu) roadmaps. Because Europe has started the implementations for INPPS flagship in the 2030-2040 timeframe, both roadmaps will be also described – from MEGAHIT the INPPS technology options, the launcher, assembly and system architecture, space mission requirements, communications and public support. In case of DiPoP it will be explained the survey of European capabilities, technical options, potential space missions and the public acceptance as well.