Analysis of a Fission-Powered Mars Rover

This paper investigated several parameters of a pressurized fission Rover for Martian surface exploration. This analysis estimated the required shielding mass to protect the crew from the reactor, as well as what parameters affected the dose received. The predicted radiator surface area required to dissipate reactor heat as well as the approximate battery mass for two reactor configurations were also explored. Power levels below 3.4 kWe were found to be impractical for rover applications. Between 3.4 kWe and 10 kWe would be able to recharge the rover without returning to base camp. The increase in shielding mass from a 3.4 kWe reactor and a 10 kWe reactor was 6%. The reduction between a 10 kWe reactor at 3 m and 6 m was 7%. Varying the shield thickness in accordance with astronaut activities resulted in a 19% reduction. Powering the reactor off before exiting the vehicle resulted in an additional 65% reduction. Both mission architectures that were analyzed had shown that the fission rover was able to explore multiple sites of interest with the Conjunction mission case proving useful for exploring features 250 km away or more. Power consumption was analyzed for 6.5 kWe and 10 kWe reactor configurations. The 6.5 kWe reactor required approximately twice the battery mass (241 kg vs. 120 kg) of the 10 kWe case due to the electrical demand of driving.