Safety Questions Relevant to Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Conference · Mon Jan 13 04:00:00 EST 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.41909· OSTI ID:5374952

Buden, David ^[1]

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1. Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

Nuclear propulsion is necessary for successful Mars exploration to enhance crew safety and reduce mission costs. Safety concerns are considered by some to be an implement to the use of nuclear thermal rockets for these missions. Therefore, an assessment was made of the various types of possible accident conditions that might occur and whether design or operational solutions exist. With the previous work on the NERVA nuclear rocket, most of the issues have been addressed in some detail. Thus, a large data base exists to use in an agreement. The assessment includes evaluating both ground, launch, space operations and disposal conditions. The conclusion is that design and operational solutions do exist for the safe use of nuclear thermal rockets and that both the environment and crews be protected against harmful radiation. Further, it is concluded that the use of nuclear thermal propulsion will reduce the radiation and mission risks to the Mars crews.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP); USDOE Idaho Field Office
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 5374952
• Report Number(s): EGG-M-91517; CONF-920104--33; ON: DE92011152
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION
ACCIDENTS
ASTRONAUTS
CONTAINMENT
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