%A"Howard, R. C." %A"Rasor, N. S." %D1963 %I; Thermo Electron Engineering Corp., Waltham, MA (United States) %2 %J[] %KPHYSICS, POWER PLANTS, PROPULSION, REACTORS, SPACE VEHICLES, THERMIONICS, NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems %PMedium: ED; Size: Pages: 62 %TNUCLEAR THERMIONIC SPACE POWER SYSTEMS %XThe various concepts for utilizing thermionic conversion in space reactor power plants are described and evaluated. The problems (and progress toward their solution) of the in-core concept, particularly, are considered. Progress in thermionic conversion technology is then reviewed from both the hardware and research points of view. Anticipated progress in thermionic conversion and the possible consequences for the performance of electrical propulsion systems are summarized. 46 references. (D.C.W.) %0Conference %NCONF-286-1; %1 %CUnited States %Rhttps://doi.org/ DTIE %GEnglish