Logistical concepts associated with international shipments using the USA/9904/B(U)F RTG Transportation System (RTGTS)

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.51963· OSTI ID:664847

Barklay, C D; Miller, R G; Pugh, B K; Howell, E I ^[1]

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1. EGG Mound Applied Technologies P.O. Box 3000 Miamisburg, Ohio45343-3000 (United States)

Over the last 30 years, radioisotopes have provided heat from which electrical power is generated. For space missions, the isotope of choice has generally been {sup 238}PuO{sub 2}, its long half-life making it ideal for supplying power to remote satellites and spacecraft like the Voyager, Pioneer, and Viking missions, as well as the recently launched Galileo and Ulysses missions, and the presently planned Cassini mission. Electric power for future space missions will be provided by either radioisotopic thermoelectric generators (RTG), radioisotope thermophotovoltaic systems (RTPV), alkali metal thermal to electrical conversion (AMTEC) systems, radioisotope Stirling systems, or a combination of these. The type of electrical power system has yet to be specified for the {open_quotes}Pluto Express{close_quotes} mission. However, the current plan does incorporate the use of Russian launch platforms for the spacecraft. The implied tasks associated with this plan require obtaining international certification for the transport of the radioisotopic power system, and resolving any logistical issues associated with the actual shipment of the selected radioisotopic power system. This paper presents a conceptual summary of the logistical considerations associated with shipping the selected radioisotopic power system using the USA/9904/B(U)F-85, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Transportation System (RTGTS). {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• Research Organization: Mound Plant
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC24-88DP43495
• OSTI ID: 664847
• Report Number(s): CONF-970115--
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 387; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PACKAGING
PLUTONIUM 238
PLUTONIUM OXIDES
POWER SYSTEMS
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
SPACE VEHICLES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
TRANSPORT
TRANSPORT REGULATIONS