Hybrid Nuclear Thermal Propulsion And Multi Axis Control

ABSTRACTThis proposal presents the HNTP-1 (Hybrid Nuclear Thermal Propulsion) vehicle concept, a stage-separatedinterplanetary spacecraft designed to address the critical limitations of current chemical propulsion for deepspace missions. The vehicle employs conventional kerosene/LOX propulsion for Earth ascent, transitioning tonuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) at safe orbital altitude for interplanetary transit. A multi-axis reaction controlsystem using secondary NTP thrusters enables six-degree-of-freedom maneuvering and deceleration withoutchemical propellant mass penalties.The proposal further presents a resource scarcity economic framework demonstrating the systemic necessity ofplanetary resource extraction — specifically lunar He-3, asteroidal cobalt and lithium, and Martian water ice —to sustain Earth's energy transition and advanced technology supply chains. The CR/CC coefficient modelquantifies resource pressure and provides an economic justification for accelerated interplanetary infrastructureinvestment.