The NASA Advanced Propulsion Concepts Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Research activities in advanced propulsion concepts at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are reviewed. The concepts, which include high power plasma thrusters such as lithium-fueled Lorentz-Force-Accelerators, MEMS-scale propulsion systems, in-situ propellant utilization techniques, fusion propulsion systems and methods of using antimatter, were selected for study because each offers the potential for either significantly enhancing space transportation capability or enabling bold, ambitious new missions. This has been shown through systems and missions evaluations - the essential tools for determining the benefits and performance drivers of an advanced concept Potential performance of a new concept traditionally has been compared with that of chemical propulsion. However, because of the growing acceptance of electric propulsion in both government and commercial sectors, concepts must now show a significant benefit relative to this technology as well. There is a range of maturity levels represented by the advanced concepts studied under this program, yet each concept faces feasibility issues. Our research is focused on addressing, one-by-one, the key feasibility issues of each concept. In addition to potentially addressing the propulsion needs of missions like those of the Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) initiative, outer planet sample returns and orbiters, or other ambitious deep space endeavors, this research is aiding in fundamental scientific discoveries and developments in other technologies.