Deflagration Plasma Thruster, a High Thrust, High Specific Impulse Device for Nuclear Space Propulsion

A deep space mission requires a nuclear energy powered system. Since the propellant and the energy source are no longer linked to each other as in a chemical rocket, one would like to have a thruster system which has a high specific impulse and thrust level and a low minimum weight. The Deflagration plasma thruster can fulfill those requirements as a propulsion system for GEO to Mars and beyond. An example of a strawman space ship integration is presented. It is designed for continuous acceleration followed by continuous deceleration in a interplanetary flight path.