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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

The NASA CSTI High Capacity Power Program

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10181448

The SP-100 program was established in 1983 by DOD, DOE, and NASA as a joint program to develop the technology necessary for space nuclear power systems for military and civil applications. During 1986 and 1987, the NASA Advanced Technology Program was responsible for maintaining the momentum of promising technology advancement efforts started during Phase I of SP-100 and to strengthen, in key areas, the chances for successful development and growth capability of space nuclear reactor power systems for future space applications. In 1988, the NASA Advanced Technology Program was incorporated into NASA`s new Civil Space Technology Initiative (CSTI). The CSTI program was established to provide the foundation for technology development in automation and robotics, information, propulsion, and power. The CSTI High Capacity Power Program builds on the technology efforts of the SP-100 program, incorporates the previous NASA advanced technology project, and provides a bridge to the NASA exploration technology programs. The elements of CSTI high capacity power development include conversion systems - Stirling and thermoelectric, thermal management, power management, system diagnostics, and environmental interactions. Technology advancement in all areas, including materials, is required to provide the growth capability, high reliability and 7 to 10 years lifetime demanded for future space nuclear power systems. The overall program will develop and demonstrate the technology base required to provide a wide range of modular power systems while minimizing the impact of day/night operation as well as attitudes and distance from the Sun. Significant accomplishments in all of the program elements will be discussed, along with revised goals and project timelines recently developed.

Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
Sponsoring Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC (United States); USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AI03-86SF16310
OSTI ID:
10181448
Report Number(s):
NASA-TM--105240; AIAA--01-3629; CONF-9109226--26; ON: DE94051250
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English