Comparative Analysis of Rocket Engine Technologies for Long-Term Space Exploration

This paper offers a wide-ranging comparative assessment of several rocket engine technologies envisioned for long-term space exploration. The systems examined include Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), Chemical Rocket Engines, Ion Thrusters, Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), and Plasma Propulsion Systems. The comparison centers on crucial metrics such as efficiency (specific impulse), thrust, energy requirements, safety, cost considerations, scalability, environmental implications, reliability and upkeep demands, as well as technological maturity. By weighing these propulsion methods against one another, the study aims to pinpoint the most viable candidates for expeditions to Mars, asteroid mining operations, and missions into deep space. Our findings suggest that although NTP achieves a high specific impulse combined with moderate thrust, Ion Thrusters and Plasma Propulsion Systems excel in efficiency for sustained, longer missions. Nevertheless, factors like safety, expense, and maturity of the technology hold significant weight in choosing the optimal propulsion system for future space projects.