2026

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Grella, E., Duchek, M., Greenhalge, S., & Shaffer, A. (2026). Comparison of Nuclear Thermal and Chemical Propulsion System’s

Maneuverability for Earth-Cislunar Operations. TBD.

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2025

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Boylston, A., Greenhalge, S., & Duchek, M. E. (2025, July 29). Nuclear Electric Propulsion for Uranus Missions Parametric

Assessment. AIAA AVIATION Forum and ASCEND 2025.
https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2025-4076  

Smith, C. D., & Stonehill, J. (2025, June 15). Impact of Real Gas Properties on Multiphysics Modeling of an NTP Fuel Element.

American Nuclear Society Annual Conference.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20250005987  

Nikitaeva, D., Smith, C. D., & Duchek, M. (2025). Methane-Based Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engine Considerations. Nuclear

and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2025).
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20250004353  

Holmes, L., Neely, M., & Rector, J. (2025). Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) Engine Ground Testing Status. Nuclear and

Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2025).
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20240014258  

Nikitaeva, D., Duchek, M., & Smith, C. D. (2025). Gen-1 NTP Ground Test Concept of Operations. Nuclear and Emerging

Technologies for Space (NETS 2025).
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20250004355   

Mowery, E., Stonehill, J., Smith, C., & Duchek, M. (2025). NTP Transient Reactor Modeling and Uncertainty Propagation.

Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2025), 558–563.
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS25-47385   

Nikitaeva, D., Duchek, M., & Smith, C. (2025). Ground Testing Concept of Operations for the First Generation Nuclear Thermal

Propulsion Engine. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2025).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS25-47380  

Stonehill, J., Smith, C., Nikitaeva, D., & Duchek, M. (2025). Parametric Trade Space Investigation of Particle Bed Reactors for

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2025).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS25-47381  

Smith, C., Stonehill, J., Nikitaeva, D., & Duchek, M. (2025). Assessment of Reduced Order Thermal Modeling Assumptions for

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2025).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS25-47382   

Calomino, A. M., Polzin, K., Dasari, V. R., & Holmes, L. (2025). Nuclear Fission Technologies for Space Exploration. Physics

Today, 78(5), 24–30.
https://doi.org/10.1063/pt.giij.occe  

Duchek, M. E., Boylston, A., Langford, D., Greenhalge, S. J., Polzin, K., & Myers, R. (2025). Nuclear Electric Propulsion for

Saturn and Enceladus Science Missions.
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS25-47390  

Duchek, M. E., Nikitaeva, D., Harnack, C., Burns, D. E., & Polzin, K. (2025, January 6). NTP Demonstration Vehicles and Mission

Concepts. AIAA SciTech Forum.
https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2025-1884

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2024

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Boylston, A., Greenhalge, S., & Duchek, M. E. (2024). Nuclear Electric Propulsion for Saturn and Enceladus Science Missions.

Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS24-47991

Burns, D. E., Smith, C. D., Stonehill, J. E., Nikitaeva, D., Duchek, M. E., & Palomares, K. B. (2024). Impact of Reduced Order

Thermal Modeling Assumptions for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS24-48008

Duchek, M. E., Nikitaeva, D., Harnack, C., Burns, D. E., & Polzin, K. A. (2024). NTP Demonstration Vehicles and Mission

Concepts. AIAA SciTech 2024 Forum.
https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2024-1884

Greenhalge, S. J., Duchek, M. E., Boylston, A., & Polzin, K. A. (2024). Payload Sensitivity Analysis for Nuclear Electric

Propulsion Science Missions Beyond Saturn. AIAA SciTech 2024 Forum.
https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2024-1889

Holmes, L., Neely, M., & Rector, J. (2024). Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) Engine Ground Testing Status. Nuclear and

Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20240014258

Mowery, E., Stonehill, J., Smith, C., & Duchek, M. E. (2024). NTP Transient Reactor Modeling and Uncertainty Propagation.

Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS24-48005

Nikitaeva, D., Duchek, M. E., & Smith, C. D. (2024). Ground Testing Concept of Operations for the First Generation Nuclear

Thermal Propulsion Engine. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS24-47995

Nikitaeva, D., Smith, C. D., & Duchek, M. E. (2024). Methane-Based Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Engine Considerations.

Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS24-47994

Smith, C. D., Stonehill, J., Nikitaeva, D., & Duchek, M. E. (2024). Assessment of Reduced Order Thermal Modeling

Assumptions for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS24-48008

Stonehill, J., Smith, C. D., Nikitaeva, D., & Duchek, M. E. (2024). Parametric Trade Space Investigation of Particle Bed Reactors

for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024).
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS24-48006

 

2023

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Duffin, T. G., Palomares, K. B., & Zinkle, S. J. (2023a). Compatibility of molybdenum with high temperature hydrogen.

International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials, 116, 106347.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2023.106347  

Duffin, T. G., Palomares, K. B., & Zinkle, S. J. (2023b). Corrosion and microstructural characterization of molybdenum cermets

following hydrogen exposure up to 2630K. Journal of Nuclear Materials, 586, 154692.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnucmat.2023.154692  

Duchek, M. E., Nikitaeva, D., Harnack, C., Grella, E., & Greenhalge, S. (2023). Parametric Modeling of NTP Engine

Performance for a Crewed Mars Mission. ASCEND 2023.
https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-4717  

Gaffin, N. D., Palomares, K. B., Milner, J. L., & Zinkle, S. J. (2023). Fabrication and Volume Loading Studies for Mo30W Matrix

Surrogate Cermets. International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials, 117, 106413.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2023.106413  

Harnack, C., Grella, E., Greenhalge, S., & Duchek, M. (2023). Capabilities of Single Launch NTP and Chemical Spacecrafts for

Cis-Lunar Tug Missions. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023), 141–147.
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS23-41745  

Herner, R., Foutch, A., Palomares, K., Boylston, A., & Holmes, L. (2023). Dose Impacts from Fission Products and Flux Fields for

NTP Ground Testing. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023).
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230005414  

Machemer, W. S., Duchek, M. E., & Nikitaev, D. (2023). Considerations for Radiator Design in Multi-Megawatt Nuclear Electric

Propulsion Applications. AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum.
https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-0152  

Nikitaeva, D., & Thomas, L. D. (2023). Propulsion Alternatives for Mars Transportation Architectures. Journal of Spacecraft and

Rockets, 60(2), 520–532.
https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A35506  

Nikitaeva, D., Smith, C. D., & Duchek, M. (2023a). Engine Cycle Comparison for Alternative Propellant Nuclear Thermal

Propulsion Engines. ASCEND 2023.
https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-4715  

Nikitaeva, D., Smith, C., & Duchek, M. (2023b). Effects of Heat Transfer Coefficient Variation on Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Engine Performance. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023), 251–256.
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS23-42288  

Palomares, K., & Werner, J. (2023). Assessment of Coated Particle Fuels for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems: A

Report for the NESC Nuclear Power & Propulsion Technical Discipline Team.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230002635  

Pingel, A., Foutch, A., Werner, J., & Holmes, L. (2023). Regulatory Approach for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Reactor Systems.

Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023), 237–244.
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS23-41900  

Sasmal, R., Holmes, L., Rector, J., & Neely, M. (2023). Ground Test Technology Demonstration for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Engines. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023).
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230003170  

Smith, C., Nikitaev, D., Stonehill, J., & Duchek, M. (2023). Reactor Parametric Assessments for Alternative Propellant Nuclear

Thermal Propulsion Engines. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023), 460–466.
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS23-41854   

Stonehill, J., Smith, C., & Palomares, K. (2023). Thermal Analysis of the Small Nuclear Rocket Engine Benchmark Case Using

the MOOSE Framework. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2023), 452–457.
https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS23-41939

 

2022

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Clark, M. A., Pensado, A. R., Boylston, A., & Duchek, M. E. (2022, June 19). Evaluating the Performance of Hybrid Vehicles

between LEO, Cislunar Space, and Mars. International Electric Propulsion Conference 2022. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361468305_Evaluating_the_Performance_of_Hybrid_Vehicles_between_LEO_Cislunar_Space_and_Mars  

Duchek, M. E., Machemer, W., Harnack, C., Clark, M. A., Pensado, A. R., Palomares, K. B., Polzin, K. A., Martin, A., Curran, F.,

Myers, R., Rodriguez, M., Rao, D., Dyson, R., & Scheidegger, R. (2022, October 24). Key Performance Parameters for MW-Class NEP Elements and their Interfaces. ASCEND 2022. ASCEND 2022. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-4273  

Dyson, R., Rao, D. V., Duchek, M., Harnack, C., Scheidegger, R., Mason, L., Juhasz, A., Rodriguez, L., Leibach, R., Geng, S., &

Goodell, D. (2022, May 8). Nuclear Electric Propulsion Brayton Power Conversion Working Fluid Considerations. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2022). https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20220002293  

Gaffin, N., Milner, J., Palomares, K., Ironman, T., & Zinkle, S. (2022). Effect of Powder Size and Geometry on Consolidation of

Mo30%W Alloy by Spark Plasma Sintering. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4068649  

Harnack, C., Machemer, W., Duchek, M., Grella, E., Nikitaev, D., & Smith, C. (2022). Brayton Cycle Power Conversion Model for

MW-Class Nuclear Electric Propulsion Mars Missions. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2022), 669–675. https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS22-38738  

Harnack, C., Machemer, W., Nikitaeva, D., & Duchek, M. (2022, October 24). Component-level Performance and Mass

Sensitivity Analysis of NEP MW-class Power System. ASCEND 2022. ASCEND 2022. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-4288

Herner, R., Palomares, K., Boylston, A., & Holmes, L. (2022). Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) Fission Product and Source

Term Analysis. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2022), 370–376. https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS22-38726  

Holmes, L. (2022, December 5). Testing Capabilities and Needs for Fission Space Nuclear Systems-Engine Ground Testing.

JANNAF 12th Spacecraft Propulsion Joint Subcommittee Meeting. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20220017462  

Machemer, W., Duchek, M., Harnack, C., Grella, E., Nikitaev, D., & Smith, C. (2022). Mass Modeling of NEP Power Conversion

Concepts for Human Mars Exploration. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2022), 271–278. https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS22-38743  

Nikitaev, D., Smith, C., Duchek, M., Harnack, C., Machemer, W., & Grella, E. (2022). Nuclear Electric Propulsion Modular Power

Conversion Model. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2022), 654–663. https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS22-38691  

Nikitaev, D., Smith, C., & Palomares, K. (2022). Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Turbomachinery Modeling. Nuclear and Emerging

Technologies for Space (NETS-2022), 119–125. https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS22-38690  

Nikitaeva, D., Smith, C. D., Duchek, M. E., Harnack, C., Machemer, W., & Rao, D. (2022, October 24). Heat Pipe Heat

Exchanger for Nuclear Electric Propulsion Power Conversion System. ASCEND 2022. ASCEND 2022. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-4287  

Palomares, K., Burns, D., Rao, D. V., & Polzin, K. (2022, January 24). Overview of High Temperature Material Needs for Space

Nuclear Propulsion Reactors. 46th International Conference and Exposition on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC2022). https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210026680  

Palomares, K., Werner, J., Todosow, M., & Lenox, K. (2022). Considerations for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Reactor

Technology Readiness Level Advancement. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2022), 348–356. https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS22-38724  

Rao, D., Palomares, K., Myers, R., Curran, F., Polzin, K., & Martin, A. (2022). Reactor and Coolant System Technology

Maturation Strategy for Nuclear Electric Propulsion Applications. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2022), 226–231. https://doi.org/10.13182/NETS22-38729  

Searight, W. T., Palomares, K. B., Werner, J. E., Todosow, M., & Lenox, K. E. (2022). Subscale maturation of advanced reactor

technologies (SMART): A path forward for nuclear thermal propulsion fuel and reactor development. Progress in Nuclear Energy, 153, 104432. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnucene.2022.104432  

Smith, C. D., Nikitaev, D., Duchek, M., Palomares, K., & Rao, D. V. (2022, December 5). Coupled Reactor Multiphysics and

Mass Scalability Assessment for Crewed Megawatt-Class NEP System Architectures. Joint Army-Navy-NASA-Air Force (JANNAF) Subcommittee Meeting. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391667496_Coupled_Reactor_Multiphysics_and_Mass_Scalability_Assessment_for_Crewed_Megawatt-Class_NEP_System_Architectures

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2021

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Palomares, K. B. (2021, April 26). Moderator considerations for space nuclear power and propulsion systems. Nuclear and

Emerging Technologies for Space 2021. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210010285

Palomares, K., Harnack, C. M., Smith, C., Herner, R., Machemer, W., Rawlins, S. B., Grella, E., & Boylston, A. (2021, April 26).

Nuclear space system analysis and modelling (NSSAM): A software tool to efficiently analyze the design space of space reactor systems. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210010288

Duchek, M., Clark, M., Pensado, A., Harnack, C., Machemer, W., Grella, E., & Qu, M. (2021, June 7). Hybrid NEP-Chemical

vehicle and propulsion technology study for crewed Mars missions. 68th JANNAF Propulsion Meeting. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354699389_Hybrid_NEP-Chemical_Vehicle_and_Propulsion_Technology_Study_for_Crewed_Mars_Missions

Duchek, M. E., Pensado, A., Clark, M., Harnack, C., Grella, E., Machemer, W., & Qu, M. (2021, August 9). Sensitivity of hybrid

NEP-Chemical vehicle mass to assumptions for crewed opposition-class Mars missions. AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2021 Forum. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-3612

Benensky, K., Burns, D., & Gerrish, H. (2021, November 8). Overview of fuel system options for nuclear thermal propulsion.

Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) Conference. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210023662​

Palomares, K. B. (2021, April 26). Moderator considerations for space nuclear power and propulsion systems. Nuclear and

Emerging Technologies for Space 2021. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210010285  

Palomares, K., Harnack, C. M., Smith, C., Herner, R., Machemer, W., Rawlins, S. B., Grella, E., & Boylston, A. (2021, April 26).

Nuclear space system analysis and modelling (NSSAM): A software tool to efficiently analyze the design space of space reactor systems. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210010288

Duchek, M., Clark, M., Pensado, A., Harnack, C., Machemer, W., Grella, E., & Qu, M. (2021, June 7). Hybrid NEP-Chemical

vehicle and propulsion technology study for crewed Mars missions. 68th JANNAF Propulsion Meeting. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354699389_Hybrid_NEP-Chemical_Vehicle_and_Propulsion_Technology_Study_for_Crewed_Mars_Missions

Duchek, M. E., Pensado, A., Clark, M., Harnack, C., Grella, E., Machemer, W., & Qu, M. (2021, August 9). Sensitivity of hybrid

NEP-Chemical vehicle mass to assumptions for crewed opposition-class Mars missions. AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2021 Forum. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-3612

Benensky, K., Burns, D., & Gerrish, H. (2021, November 8). Overview of fuel system options for nuclear thermal propulsion.

Materials in Nuclear Energy Systems (MiNES) Conference. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210023662