http://rt.com/news/space-nuclear-engine-propulsion-120/Russians developing are the new class of nuclear (atomic fission) engine for civilian interplanetary space flights.
"The megawatt-class nuclear drive will function for up to three years and produce
100-150 kilowatts of energy at normal capacity.
The new project proposes the use of an electric ion propulsion system. The
engines exhaust thrust will be generated by an ion flow, which is further
accelerated by an electric field.
The nuclear reactor will therefore “supply†the necessary amount of electric power without unwanted radioactive contamination of the environment.
Xenon will serve as propellant for the engines."
Here You have for comparision already existing but on CNF basing nuclear engine from Poland:
http://nspap.livejournal.com/1398.htmlThis has 50 kW output only, but is also a good base for bigger engines.
Cost of Russian device developement will be about 250 mlns USD.
