This paper presents MARS-SHIELD-NE, an enhanced nuclear-electric version of the integrated propulsion and radiation
protection system for crewed Mars missions. The system employs six hydrogen-fueled magnetoplasma thrusters arranged in a
hexagonal configuration, powered by a 100 kWe space nuclear reactor with water electrolysis for in-situ hydrogen production.
The hexagonal architecture creates a 6-fold symmetric mini-magnetosphere providing simultaneous efficient propulsion and
active radiation shielding. Performance analysis demonstrates operational specific impulse of 5,000-8,000 seconds,
continuous thrust of 2-5 N, radiation dose reduction of 65%, and total launch mass of 45 metric tons. The nuclear-electric
architecture enables 180-day Earth-Mars transits, overcoming solar power limitations while maintaining the integrated radiation
protection benefits. Comparisons with VASIMR, NEXT ion thrusters, and chemical systems like Starship demonstrate
significant advantages in mass efficiency, transit time, and mission sustainability.
Keywords: Nuclear-Electric Propulsion, Magnetoplasma Thruster, Hydrogen Propellant, Water Electrolysis, Space Nuclear
Reactor, Active Radiation Protection, Mars ISRU, Mini-Magnetosphere, Crewed Mars Missions.
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