Bimodal Ammonia Nuclear Thermal and Electric Rocket

Introduction

BANTER represents the first step towards realizing an innovative bimodal nuclear thermal and electric propulsion system in which the same fluid (i.e. ammonia) is used as a propellant for thermo-nuclear propulsion and electric thrusters and as a working fluid for the power generation system.

Advantages of Ammonia

Due to its ease of storage in non-cryogenic conditions, its presence as an in-situ resource on many targets of future space missions, and its possibility of decomposing to increase the propulsive performance, ammonia allows the development of a compact propulsion system capable of transporting tons of payloads for a wide spectrum of missions.

Phase One: Design and Verification

The design and verification through analysis of a nuclear reactor implementing a new type of coolant channels and a radiator-less power generation system fed by ammonia will constitute the first phase of this process.

Phase Two: Experimental Campaigns

Then, the combination of the thermolysis, catalysis, and radiolysis processes to decompose the ammonia will be studied through two experimental campaigns carried out on prototypes of the coolant channels both in a nuclear and non-nuclear environment with the aim of demonstrating propulsive performance capable of outclassing traditional chemical propulsion systems.

Phase Three: Electric Thrusters Development

Moreover, another phase of design, development, and testing will demonstrate the ability of a cluster of newly designed ammonia electric thrusters to operate for long periods without excessive cathode erosion, eventually with increased efficiency due to the catalytic decomposition of the propellant.

Impact and Multidisciplinary Aspects

Positive outcomes of the project will pave the way for developing a technology that could make Europe a protagonist of the future space race thanks to a compact, versatile, and high-performance propulsion system.

In addition, any improvement in the production of green hydrogen from ammonia decomposition will benefit the energy industry. This aspect makes this project highly multidisciplinary not only in the research approach but also in the results.