Reactors for nuclear electric propulsion

Conference · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6634294

Buden, D; Angelo, Jr, J A

Propulsion is the key to space exploitation and power is the key to propulsion. This paper examines the role of nuclear fission reactors as the primary power source for high specific impulse electric propulsion systems for space missions of the 1980s and 1990s. Particular mission applications include transfer to and a reusable orbital transfer vehicle from low-Earth orbit to geosynchronous orbit, outer planet exploration and reconnaissance missions, and as a versatile space tug supporting lunar resource development. Nuclear electric propulsion is examined as an indispensable component in space activities of the next two decades.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6634294
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-81-703; CONF-810439-2; TRN: 81-007343
• Resource Relation: Conference: 15. AIAA/JSASS/DGLR international electromagnetic propulsion conference, Las Vegas, NV, USA, 21 Apr 1981
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
SPACE PROPULSION REACTORS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE
SPACE FLIGHT
SPACE VEHICLES
MOBILE REACTORS
POWER REACTORS
PROPULSION REACTORS
REACTORS
SPACE POWER REACTORS
VEHICLES
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
220800* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Propulsion Reactors