<DOC>
<DOCNO>
968
</DOCNO>
<TITLE>
rocket propulsion systems for interplanetary flight .
</TITLE>
<AUTHOR>
sutton, g.p.
</AUTHOR>
<BIBLIO>
j. aero. sc. v. 26, october 1959 .
</BIBLIO>
<TEXT>
a comparison is made of several different propulsion systems for interplanetary
flight . liquid and solid propellant rockets, propulsion systems
which use nuclear energy sources, are heating rockets, magnetoplasma
devices, ion rocket propulsion, solar heating rockets, and solar
sails are briefly described and their current status reviewed . engine
performance requirements for different interplanetary missions are established
. these several propulsion systems are then compared on the
basis of several performance criteria, environmental characteristics,
vehicle requirements, reliability, current status, growth potential, and
 efficiency . predictions on various propulsion system capabilities and
an analysis of multiple rocket engine reliability is included . it is
concluded that electrical rockets are superior for long-time interplanetary
flight applications, and that chemical rockets are satisfactory
for most of the immediate applications in /near/ space . none of
 the several propulsion schemes discussed can be rejected until further
technical work has been accomplished .
</TEXT>
</DOC>
