Download or read book Essential Guide to Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion written by National Ae Space Administration (Nasa) and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2019-04-28 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This unique book reproduces important government documents, reports, and studies dealing with spaceflight nuclear power and propulsion technologies, including Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), Plutonium-238 production, NASA Kilopower Fission Reactor (KRUSTY) and nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) rockets for human Moon and Mars exploration.Contents include: Overview of Space Radioisotope Power Systems and RTGs * Advanced Radioisotope Power System Concepts and Designs * Energy Department and Plutonium Production * Space Exploration - DOE Could Improve Planning and Communication Related to Plutonium-238 and Radioisotope Power Systems Production Challenges * Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) * NASA's Kilopower Fission Reactor Program and KRUSTYRadioisotope Thermoelectric Generators, or RTGs, provide electrical power for spacecraft by converting the heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238 (Pu-238) fuel into electricity using devices called thermocouples. Since they have no moving parts that can fail or wear out, RTGs have historically been viewed as a highly reliable power option. Thermocouples have been used in RTGs for a total combined time of over 300 years, and a not a single thermocouple has ever ceased producing power. Thermocouples are common in everyday items that must monitor or regulate their temperature, such as air conditioners, refrigerators and medical thermometers. The principle of a thermocouple involves two plates, each made of a different metal that conducts electricity. Joining these two plates to form a closed electrical circuit while keeping the two junctions at different temperatures produces an electric current. Each of these pairs of junctions forms an individual thermocouple. In an RTG, the radioisotope fuel heats one of these junctions while the other junction remains unheated and is cooled by the space environment or a planetary atmosphere.Benefits of NTP propulsion include: For human Mars missions, first generation NTP can reduce crew time away from earth from greater than 900 days to less than 500 days while still allowing ample time for surface exploration; reduce crew exposure to space radiation, microgravity, other hazards; can enable abort modes not available with other architectures including the potential to return to earth anytime within 3 months of earth departure burn, also to return immediately upon arrival at Mars; and stage/habitat optimized for use with NTP could further reduce crew exposure to cosmic rays and provide shielding against any conceivable solar flare.
Download or read book Priorities in Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2006-03-20 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In 2003, NASA began an R&D effort to develop nuclear power and propulsion systems for solar system exploration. This activity, renamed Project Prometheus in 2004, was initiated because of the inherent limitations in photovoltaic and chemical propulsion systems in reaching many solar system objectives. To help determine appropriate missions for a nuclear power and propulsion capability, NASA asked the NRC for an independent assessment of potentially highly meritorious missions that may be enabled if space nuclear systems became operational. This report provides a series of space science objectives and missions that could be so enabled in the period beyond 2015 in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, solar system exploration, and solar and space physics. It is based on but does not reprioritize the findings of previous NRC decadal surveys in those three areas.
Download or read book Introduction to Nuclear Power in Space written by Edenilson Brandl and published by Edenilson Brandl. This book was released on 2024-03-21 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Welcome to "Introduction to Nuclear Power in Space ". In the vast expanse of space exploration, where the challenges are as numerous as the stars themselves, the role of nuclear power cannot be overstated. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the pivotal role of nuclear technology in powering space missions, addressing the intricate nuances of nuclear cooling systems, space reactors, and propulsion technologies. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, the demand for reliable and efficient power sources becomes increasingly urgent. Nuclear power stands at the forefront of this quest, offering unparalleled energy densities and longevity essential for extended missions beyond Earth's orbit. However, harnessing nuclear energy in the vacuum of space presents unique challenges and opportunities, which this book endeavors to explore in depth. From the fundamental principles of nuclear reactors to advanced propulsion systems capable of interstellar travel, each chapter delves into specific aspects of nuclear technology relevant to space exploration. We examine the intricacies of cooling systems, the adaptability of nuclear reactors to diverse mission requirements, and the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of space propulsion. Moreover, safety is paramount in the utilization of nuclear power, particularly in the context of space missions where the stakes are high and the environments harsh. Throughout this book, we emphasize the importance of stringent safety protocols, redundancy measures, and contingency planning to mitigate risks associated with nuclear power in space. Furthermore, this book serves as a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of space exploration. From materials science to artificial intelligence, from propulsion engineering to cybersecurity, the integration of various fields is essential to unlocking the full potential of nuclear technology in space. Whether you are a seasoned aerospace engineer, a budding space enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of space exploration, "Introduction to Nuclear Power in Space: Nuclear Cooling Systems, Space Reactors, and Propulsion Technologies - Book 1" offers a comprehensive and accessible resource. We hope that this book inspires and enlightens readers about the boundless possibilities that nuclear power holds for humanity's journey among the stars.
Download or read book Priorities in Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion written by National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on Priorities for Space Science Enabled by Nuclear Power and Propulsion and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 158 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration written by National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine and published by . This book was released on 2021-11-12 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration identifies primary technical and programmatic challenges, merits, and risks for developing and demonstrating space nuclear propulsion technologies of interest to future exploration missions. This report presents key milestones and a top-level development and demonstration roadmap for performance nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion systems and identifies missions that could be enabled by successful development of each technology.
Download or read book The Role of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Propulsion in the Peaceful Exploration of Space written by International Atomic Energy Agency and published by IAEA. This book was released on 2005 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides details of a variety of radioisotope power systems, shows in what circumstances they surpass other power systems, and provides the history of the space missions in which they have been employed. The book also summarizes the use of on-board reactors and the testing done on reactor rocket thrusters.
Download or read book Space Nuclear Power written by Joseph A. Angelo and published by . This book was released on 1985 with total page 252 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Atomic Power in Space II written by and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book To the End of the Solar System written by James A. Dewar and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 472 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chemically propelled rockets can lift less than 5 percent of their take-off weight into orbit, a fact that could forever limit the space program. Nuclear-powered rockets, however, with their superior thrusting power and speed, are radically different. So argues James A. Dewar in the only comprehensive history ever written of the nuclear rocket project. It is a story of political battles over the space program's future, involving Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, and a readable account of its technical successes, a story perhaps more interesting and certainly more important, Dewar believes, than the history of atomic and H-bomb development. Dewar maintains that only by reestablishing a nuclear rocket project can the nation have a space program worthy of the 21st century, one that makes reality of the hopes and dreams of science fiction.
Download or read book Outer Space Propulsion by Nuclear Energy written by United States. Congress. Joint Committee on Atomic Energy. Special Subcommittee on Outer Space Propulsion and published by . This book was released on 1958 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Classified material has been deleted.
Download or read book A Critical Review of Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion 1984 1993 written by Mohamed S. El-Genk and published by American Institute of Physics. This book was released on 1994 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Market: Researchers in nuclear power, physicists, chemical and nuclear engineers, students, and policy makers. The papers in this volume summarize key technological advancements that occurred during the ten years from 1984 to 1993 in such areas as heat pipe technology, fuels, space nuclear safety, dynamic power conversion systems, and advanced radiator technologies for spacecraft power systems. In light of new industry initiatives to form a consortia and the possibility of bi-modal space nuclear power and propulsion systems, this informative volume will be an invaluable reference source.
Download or read book Proceedings of the Tenth Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion written by and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 1752 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems written by David Buden and published by . This book was released on 2011-07-01 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Interest in rockets that use fission reactors as the heat source has centered on manned flights to Mars. The demands of such missions require rockets that are several times more powerful than the chemical rockets in use today.Rocket engines operate according to the basic principles expressed in Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In a chemical rocket, hot gases are created by chemical combustion; in a nuclear rocket heating of the propellant in a nuclear reactor creates hot gas. In either case, the hot gases flow through the throat of the rocket nozzle where they expand and develop thrust.Extensive development effort has been expended on nuclear rockets. The nuclear Rover/ NERVA rocket programs provide a very high confidence level that the technology for a flight nuclear rocket exists. These programs demonstrated power levels between 507 MWt and 4,100 MWt and thrust levels of up to 930 kN (200,000 Ibf). Specific impulse, a measure of rocket performance, was more than twice that of chemical rockets. Ground testing and technology development has been done on several concepts described in this book. However, though there appear to be no technical barriers to the development of a successful nuclear rocket, no nuclear rockets have been flown in space.This book describes the fundamentals of nuclear rockets, the safety and other mission requirements, developmental history of various concepts both in the U.S. and Russia, and it summarizes key developmental issues.
Download or read book Advanced Space Propulsion Systems written by Martin Tajmar and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-09-08 with total page 139 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Space propulsion systems have a great influence on our ability to travel to other planets or how cheap a satellite can provide TV programs. This book provides an up-to-date overview of all kinds of propulsion systems ranging from classical rocket technology, nuclear propulsion to electric propulsion systems, and further to micro-, propellantless and even breakthrough propulsion, which is a new program under development at NASA. The author shows the limitations of the present concepts and how they could look like in the future. Starting from historical developments, the reader is taken on a journey showing the amazing technology that has been put on hold for decades to be rediscovered in the near future for questions like how we can even reach other stars within a human lifetime. The author is actively involved in advanced propulsion research and contributes with his own experience to many of the presented topics. The book is written for anyone who is interested in how space travel can be revolutionized.
Download or read book Outer Space Propulsion by Nuclear Energy written by United States. Congress. Joint Committee on Atomic Energy and published by . This book was released on 1958 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Proceedings of the 11th Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion written by Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Nuclear Thermal Propulsion A Joint NASA DOE DOD Workshop written by and published by . This book was released on 1991 with total page 518 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
