Nuclear thermal propulsion technology: Results of an interagency panel in FY 1991
NASA LeRC was selected to lead nuclear propulsion technology development for NASA. Also participating in the project are NASA MSFC and JPL. The U.S. Department of Energy will develop nuclear technology and will conduct nuclear component, subsystem, and system testing at appropriate DOE test facilities. NASA program management is the responsibility of NASA/RP. The project includes both nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) and nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) technology development. This report summarizes the efforts of an interagency panel that evaluated NTP technology in 1991. Other panels were also at work in 1991 on other aspects of nuclear propulsion, and the six panels worked closely together. The charters for the other panels and some of their results are also discussed. Important collaborative efforts with other panels are highlighted. The interagency (NASA/DOE/DOD) NTP Technology Panel worked in 1991 to evaluate nuclear thermal propulsion concepts on a consistent basis. Additionally, the panel worked to continue technology development project planning for a joint project in nuclear propulsion for the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). Five meetings of the panel were held in 1991 to continue the planning for technology development of nuclear thermal propulsion systems. The state-of-the-art of the NTP technologies was reviewed in some detail. The major technologies identified were as follows: fuels, coatings, and other reactor technologies; materials; instrumentation, controls, health monitoring and management, and associated technologies; nozzles; and feed system technology, including turbopump assemblies.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
- OSTI ID:
- 6151799
- Report Number(s):
- N-93-24740; NASA-TM--105711; E--7099; NAS--1.15:105711; CNN: RTOP 593-71-00
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
System model development for nuclear thermal propulsion
Nuclear electric propulsion: An integral part of NASA's nuclear propulsion project
Related Subjects
210600* -- Power Reactors
Auxiliary
Mobile Package
& Transportable
COOPERATION
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FUELS
HYDRAULIC TURBINES
INTERAGENCY COOPERATION
MACHINERY
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MOBILE REACTORS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
NUCLEAR FUELS
POWER REACTORS
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
PROPULSION REACTORS
PUMP TURBINES
RADIATION PROTECTION
REACTOR MATERIALS
REACTORS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
SPACE PROPULSION REACTORS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY