Ongoing Space Nuclear Systems Development in the United States
Description/Abstract
Reliable, long-life power systems are required for ambitious space exploration missions. Nuclear power and propulsion options can enable a bold, new set of missions and introduce propulsion capabilities to achieve access to science destinations that are not possible with more conventional systems. Space nuclear power options can be divided into three main categories: radioisotope power for heating or low power applications; fission power systems for non-terrestrial surface application or for spacecraft power; and fission power systems for electric propulsion or direct thermal propulsion. Each of these areas has been investigated in the United States since the 1950s, achieving various stages of development. While some nuclear systems have achieved flight deployment, others continue to be researched today. This paper will provide a brief overview of historical space nuclear programs in the U.S. and will provide a summary of the ongoing space nuclear systems research, development, and deployment in the United States.
| Creator/Author: | S. Bragg-Sitton ; J. Werner ; S. Johnson ; Michael G. Houts ; Donald T. Palac ; Lee S. Mason ; David I. Poston ; A. Lou Qualls |
|---|---|
| Publication Date: | 2011 Oct 01 |
| OSTI Identifier: | OSTI ID: 1037786 |
| Report Number(s): | INL/CON-11-22580 |
| DOE Contract Number: | DE-AC07-05ID14517 |
| Other Number(s): | TRN: US1201697 |
| Resource Type: | Conference |
| Resource Relation: | Conference: International Nuclear Atlantic Conference,Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil,10/24/2011,10/28/2011 |
| Research Org: | Idaho National Laboratory (INL) |
| Sponsoring Org: | DOE - NE |
| Subject: | 07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES; 24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; 33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS; 22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS; EXPLORATION; FISSION; HEATING; NUCLEAR POWER; POWER SYSTEMS; PROPULSION; RADIOISOTOPES; SPACE VEHICLES |
| Related Subject: | NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems; fission surface power; nuclear electric propulsion; nuclear thermal propulsion; radioisotope power; space nuclear |
| Country of Publication: | United States |
| Language: | English |
| Update Date: | 2013 May 13 |
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