NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] low power DIPS [Dynamic Isotope Power System] conceptual design study; Final report
This report describes the conceptual design and integration of a low power (0.5 to 1.0 kWe) Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) Low Power (LPD) with the Mariner Mark II (MMII) spacecraft for use on interplanetary and space exploration missions as an alternative to RTGs. A detailed MMII/LPD system description is provided that discusses, among other things, the design requirements, design point selection, system layout and spacecraft integration, mechanical design, electrical system design, interface assessments, reliability, and safety. Performance characteristics are given for the reference 500 We LPD using a peak cycle temperature of 1100 K. Parametrics are provided giving the LPD performance characteristics at power levels up to 1.0 kWe and peak cycle temperatures as high as 1300 K. A side-by-side comparison of the LPD performance with the RTG performance is provided. Finally, program plans, costs, and schedules are provided giving the overall plan for design, development, fabrication, qualification, and acceptance of the LPD system.
- Research Organization:
- Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Rocketdyne Div.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC03-88NE32129
- OSTI ID:
- 720999
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NE/32129-T3; ER-00039; ON: TI91020260
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Dec 1990
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
SPACE VEHICLES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
PROGRESS REPORT
MISSION ANALYSIS
DESIGN
TASK SCHEDULING
HEAT PIPES
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
RELIABILITY
COST
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT INTERFACES
SAFETY
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
FABRICATION
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems