Everything Science Forum

Innovative space transportation systems now in development by NASA and its partners promise a new era of scientific discovery in space. But the struggle to unlock the secrets of our solar system presents unique new challenges. Central among them: faster access throughout the solar system, and the ability to rendezvous with, orbit and conduct in situ exploration of planets, satellites and other solar system bodies.

These are the missions of NASA’s In-Space Propulsion program: to enable science at new destinations; to significantly reduce the time and cost required for spacecraft to reach their destinations; and to allow mission planners to shift their focus from the difficulty of the journey to the science challenges at the destination.

http://www.inspacepropulsion.com/

Overview - http://www.inspacepropulsion.com/ISP_Overview.pdf

NASA's In-Space Propulsion Technology Program:
Overview and Update Technology Program.
http://www.inspacepropulsion.com/tech/pubs/2004JPC18448Johnson.pdf