Analysis of space systems for the space disposal of nuclear waste follow-on study. Volume 2. Technical report
Some of the conclusions reached as a result of this study are summarized. Waste form parameters for the reference cermet waste form are available only by analogy. Detail design of the waste payload would require determination of actual waste form properties. The billet configuration constraints for the cermet waste form limit the packing efficiency to slightly under 75% net volume. The effect of this packing inefficiency in reducing the net waste form per waste payload can be seen graphically. The cermet waste form mass per unit mass of waste payload is lower than that of the iodine waste form even though the cermet has a higher density (6.5 versus 5.5). This is because the lead iodide is cast achieving almost 100% efficiency in packing. This inefficiency in the packing of the cermet results in a 20% increase in number of flights which increases both cost and risk. Alternative systems for waste mixes requiring low flight rates (technetium-99, iodine-129) can make effective use of the existing 65K space transportation system in either single- or dual-launch scenarios. A comprehensive trade study would be required to select the optimum orbit transfer system for low-launch-rate systems. This study was not conducted as part of the present effort due to selection of the cermet waste form as the reference for the study. Several candidates look attractive for both single- and dual-launch systems (see sec. 4.4), but due to the relatively small number of missions, a comprehensive comparison of life cycle costs including DDT and E would be required to select the best system. The reference system described in sections 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 offers the best combination of cost, risk, and alignment with ongoing NASA technology development efforts for disposal of the reference cermet waste form.
- Research Organization:
- Boeing Aerospace Co., Seattle, WA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI97-79ET46603
- OSTI ID:
- 6553422
- Report Number(s):
- NASA/CR-161992; ON: DE83006639
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Preliminary risk assessment for nuclear waste disposal in space. Volume II. Technical report
Preliminary risk assessment for nuclear waste disposal in space. Volume I. Executive summary of technical report
Related Subjects
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
SPACE
CERMETS
COST
SPACE TRANSPORT
SPACE VEHICLES
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
TRANSPORT
VEHICLES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage