The feasibility of near-term low-cost space nuclear power
- Nuclear Systems Design and Analysis Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)
- Research Institute of Scientific Industrial Association 'LUTCH', Podolsk Moscow Region, 142100 Russian Federation (Russian Federation)
- Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute, Kurchatov Square 1, Moscow, 123182 Russian Federation (Russian Federation)
- Institute of Physics and Power Engineering, Obninsk (Russian Federation)
The Heatpipe Power System (HPS) and Heatpipe Bimodal System (HBS) both have been proposed as potential near-term, low-cost, space fission power systems, with the latter option adding the capability for spacecraft propulsion. In this context the phrase 'near term' has referred to having a flight-ready system available for launch within 5 yr. The term 'low cost' implies that the initial system could be developed and produced for less than $100M, with subsequent production in the range of $20M per system. A study has been conducted to develop a cost and schedule estimate to design, produce, and qualify a flight-ready HPS/HBS reactor and the associated shield and power conversion system. The conclusion of this study is that the HPS/HBS concepts qualify as near-term, low-cost, space fission power system options within the current state of technology.
- OSTI ID:
- 21202492
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 458, Issue 1; Conference: Space technology and applications international forum - 1999, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 31 Jan - 4 Feb 1999; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.57489; (c) 1999 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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