CFIAC-NTP: A Low-Drag Magnetic Hydrogen Collection System for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion to Mars

CFIAC-NTP (Continuous Field Interstellar Atomic Collector for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion) is a conceptual spacecraft propulsion architecture designed to collect sparse interstellar hydrogen using a large low-drag magnetic collector. The collected hydrogen is magnetically compressed, heated by a nuclear thermal reactor, and expelled to generate continuous thrust. Unlike classical Bussard ramjet concepts, the proposed architecture separates particle collection from propulsion, aiming to minimize magnetic drag while maintaining sustained propellant acquisition. This work presents the theoretical framework, engineering assumptions, estimated performance, technology readiness assessment (TRL), and identifies the key technological challenges that require future experimental validation.