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Other literature type . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Other literature type . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Other literature type . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Prometheus NEP + EM‑Augmented Ion Propulsion: A Buildable Nuclear‑Electric Architecture for Deep‑Space Mobility

Authors: Griffiths, Wayn;

Prometheus NEP + EM‑Augmented Ion Propulsion: A Buildable Nuclear‑Electric Architecture for Deep‑Space Mobility

Abstract

Prometheus NEP + EM-Augmented Ion Propulsion A Buildable Nuclear-Electric Architecture for Deep-Space Mobility Version 1.0 – February 2026 This work presents a fully buildable nuclear-electric propulsion (NEP) architecture that combines a Prometheus-class fission reactor (200–400 kWe) with a four-engine NEXT-class ion propulsion cluster and a novel dual electromagnetic rotating nozzle assembly. The system extends the established NEP lineage by introducing a governed downstream electromagnetic collimation stage that improves exhaust directionality, increases effective exhaust velocity, and delivers 10–20% enhancement in thrust-per-kilowatt — all without invoking new physics or unproven materials. Key performance parameters (representative 300 kWe design point): Effective thrust: 5.5–9.6 N Effective specific impulse: 4.5–5.4 ks Propulsion power allocation: 220–250 kW Continuous high-Isp thrust suitable for long-duration, low-acceleration transfers All primary subsystems — reactor, power conversion, ion engines, and EM field structures — are grounded in flight-heritage technologies (Prometheus / Kilopower lineage, NSTAR → NEXT → NEXT-C evolution) or mature engineering practice. The modular layout supports multiple control modes, graceful degradation, precise vectoring (via differential engine operation and EM nozzle field modulation), and integration with the broader Griffiths Canon: Clean docking and thrust alignment with the Dual Ring Habitat (DRH) inertial spine Field-layer harmonization with GRFF (Griffiths Reactive Field Framework) Power and governance support for MPE (Managed Plasma Environments) Distributed propulsion coordination via DIGSP Comparative analysis shows clear advantages over microwave-thermal propulsion for long-arc missions and over speculative force-law concepts in terms of reproducibility, falsifiability, and near-term realizability. The architecture enables Pluto-class round-trip missions, interplanetary logistics, habitat repositioning, and interstellar precursor trajectories while maintaining engineering discipline, quantifiable performance, and reviewer-ready transparency. “Qualitas non gradus requirit, sed censuram et iterationem” This document is part of the Griffiths Canon. © Wayne Griffiths. All rights reserved. Redistribution, modification, or incorporation into derivative works is prohibited without written permission.

Keywords

Prometheus NEP Nuclear Electric Propulsion Ion Propulsion NEXT-class Ion Engines Electromagnetic Nozzle EM Rotating Nozzles Exhaust Collimation High-Isp Propulsion Deep-Space Mobility Fission Power Systems Prometheus-class Reactor Power Processing Unit (PPU) Electric Propulsion Architecture Continuous-Thrust Missions Outer Solar System Missions Plasma Governance Griffiths Reactive Field Framework (GRFF) Dual Ring Habitat (DRH) Managed Plasma Environment (MPE) Distributed Ion Governance (DIGSP) Long-Arc Trajectories Deep-Space Tug Operations Interstellar Precursor Missions High-Efficiency Propulsion Spacecraft Systems Architecture

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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