DIPS Space Exploration Initiative Safety

Conference · Sun Jan 06 04:00:00 EST 1991 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.40050· OSTI ID:5679177

Dix, T. E. ^[1]

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1. Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Rocketdyne Division

The Dynamic Isotope Power Subsystem has been identified for potential applications for the Space Exploration Initiative. A qualitative safety assessment has been performed to demonstrate the overall safety adequacy of the Dynamic Isotope Power Subsystem for these applications. Mission profiles were defined for reference lunar and Martian flights. Accident scenarios were qualitatively defined for all mission phases. Safety issues were then identified. The safety issues included radiation exposure, fuel containment, criticality, diversion, toxic materials, heat flux to the extravehicular mobility unit, and disposal. The design was reviewed for areas where safety might be further improved. Safety would be improved by launching the fuel separate from the rest of the subsystem on expendable launch vehicles, using a fuel handling tool during unloading of the hot fuel canister, and constructing a cage-like structure around the reversible heat removal system lithium heat pipes. The results of the safety assessment indicate that the DIPS design with minor modifications will produce a low-risk concept.

• Research Organization: Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (United States). Rocketdyne Division
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
• OSTI ID: 5679177
• Report Number(s): CONF-910116
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Journal Volume: 217
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
220800 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Propulsion Reactors
220900 -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION
CRITICALITY
DESIGN
Design Improvements
Dynamic Isotope Power Subsystem (DIPS)
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HEAT FLUX
MARS SPACE PROBES
MOBILE REACTORS
MOON
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
POWER REACTORS
Qualitative Safety Assessment
RADIATION HAZARDS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTORS
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAFETY
SATELLITES
SPACE POWER REACTORS
SPACE VEHICLES
Safety Issues
VEHICLES