Nuclear technology and the space exploration missions

The strategy for a major exploration initiative leading to permanent human presence beyond earth orbit, is still being developed; however enough is known to begin defining the role of nuclear technologies. Three areas are to be discussed: low power (<10 kWe) rover/vehicle power systems, integrated, evolutionary base power systems (25-100 kW) and nuclear energy for electric propulsion (2-100 MWe) and direct thermal propulsion (1000s MW). A phased, evolutionary approach is described for both the moon and Mars, and the benefits of nuclear technologies relative to solar and their integration are described