Assessment of Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Facility and Capability Needs
The development of a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system rests heavily upon being able to fabricate and demonstrate the performance of a high temperature nuclear fuel as well as demonstrating an integrated system prior to launch. A number of studies have been performed in the past which identified the facilities needed and the capabilities available to meet the needs and requirements identified at that time. Since that time, many facilities and capabilities within the Department of Energy have been removed or decommissioned. This paper provides a brief overview of the anticipated facility needs and identifies some promising concepts to be considered which could support the development of a nuclear thermal propulsion system. Detailed trade studies will need to be performed to support the decision making process.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 1170303
- Report Number(s):
- INL/CON-14-32221; TRN: US1500015
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: NETS-2015. Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space, Albuquerque, NM (United States), 23-26 Feb 2015
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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