Nuclear Electric Propulsion

Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) uses a nuclear reactor to generate electricity to power an Ion thruster. It requires some kind of converter from heat to electricity and is subject to thermodynamic limitations. The reactor usually needs to be cooled using radiators. The exhaust velocity is generally higher than for a Nuclear Thermal Reactor so the drive requires less propellant. However, the mass of the required radiators and energy conversion systems reduces the overall effectiveness.