Direct Energy Conversion for Nuclear Propulsion at Low Specific Mass Project
&lt;p&gt;Low specific mass (&amp;lt; 3&amp;nbsp; kg/kW) in-space electric power and propulsion can drastically alter the paradigm for exploration of the Solar System, changing human Mars exploration from a 3-year epic event to an annual expedition.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; A specific mass of ~1 kg/kW can enable 1-year …