POTENTIALS OF RADIOISOTOPE ELECTROSTATIC PROPULSION

Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1963 · Astronaut. Aerospace Eng.

OSTI ID:4693410

Mickelsen, W R; Low, Jr, C A

The potentialities and problems of a radioisotope electrostatic propulsion system for future space missions are discussed. The proposed operation of an electrogenerator using Ce/sup 144/ -- Pr/sup 144/ fuel is described. The availability and cost of Ce/sup 144/ are considered, along with payload radiation damage, spacecraft design, launch-pad and boost hazards, and interplanetary mission performance. The anticipated availability of Ce/sup 144/ as a byproduct from ground-based power reactors is sufficient for propulsion systems of 10 to 50 kw(e) in 1967 and 100 to 500 kw(e) in 1980. The payload radiation dose caused by Ce/sup 144/ electrogenerators was shown to be within acceptable limits even without shielding. Mass components, such as solar flare shelters and/or propellant appared to be adequate for shielding the crew from Ce/ sup 144/ radiation in manned interplanetary flight. (M.C.G.)

• Research Organization: Lewis Research Center, Cleveland
• NSA Number: NSA-17-042405
• OSTI ID: 4693410
• Journal Information: Astronaut. Aerospace Eng., Journal Name: Astronaut. Aerospace Eng. Vol. Vol: 1
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CESIUM 144
ECONOMICS
ELECTRICITY
ELECTROSTATICS
JETS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PAYLOAD
PERSONNEL
PLANNING
POWER
PROPULSION
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOISOTOPES
SAFETY
SHELTERS
SHIELDING
SPACE APPLICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES
SUN
THERMOELECTRIC CELLS
THERMONUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTIONS