Ongoing Space Nuclear Systems Development in the United States
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.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE - NE
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 1037786
- Report Number(s):
- INL/CON-11-22580; TRN: US1201697
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International Nuclear Atlantic Conference,Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil,10/24/2011,10/28/2011
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
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
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
fission surface power
nuclear electric propulsion
nuclear thermal propulsion
radioisotope power
space nuclear