Output details
15 - General Engineering
University of Leicester
A Mars hopping vehicle propelled by a radioisotope thermal rocket: thermofluid design and materials selection
The fundamental performance methodology and results for a novel rocket motor and Mars exploration vehicle were presented in this paper. The paper generated international media coverage (incl. UK, USA, Norway). The methodology and conclusions developed formed the basis of a ~€200k contract award from the European Space Agency to Astrium Ltd. and the University of Leicester in February 2013. This follow-on study aims to recommend Technology Roadmaps for key technologies for consideration in future programmes. The study generated a further wave of international media interest in September 2013 following publication of a BBC News online article.