Download or read book Multi Megawatt Space Nuclear Power Generation written by and published by . This book was released on 1993 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Capability for multi-megawatt nuclear power generation in space is examined and promising options identified. Nuclear power systems will generate approximately three times as much power as chemical systems, at the same rate of expenditure of consumables. In addition, the nuclear power system exhaust, if used for platform thrust, will have approximately twice the specific impulse of chemical systems. Three reactors options are compared NERVA and two particle bed reactors, the Fixed Bed Reactor (FBR), and the Rotating Bed Reactor (RBR). The particle bed reactors appear to have advantages of much faster startup capability, and reduced concern about reliability and fuel element failure. They also have somewhat smaller size and lower weight, but the benefits are marginal in terms of overall system weight. The FBR appears as the most attractive overall reactor system. It would operate bimodally, generating cw in the hundreds of kW(e) for station keeping, surveillance, defense purposes, etc, and high power, in the hundreds of MW(e), for pulsed energy devices.

Download or read book Multimegawatt Space Power Reactors written by and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 39 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In response to the need of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and long range space exploration and extra-terrestrial basing by the National Air and Space Administration (NASA), concepts for nuclear power systems in the multi-megawatt levels are being designed and evaluated. The requirements for these power systems are being driven primarily by the need to minimize weight and maximize safety and reliability. This paper will discuss the present requirements for space based advanced power systems, technological issues associated with the development of these advanced nuclear power systems, and some of the concepts proposed for generating large amounts of power in space. 31 figs.

Download or read book Space Nuclear Power Generation Conversion and Storage for the Nineties and Beyond written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Technology. Subcommittee on Energy Research and Production and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Nuclear Power Systems for Manned Mission to Mars written by Scott J. McGinnis and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 118 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nuclear power is the next enabling technology in manned exploration of the solar system. Scientists and engineers continue to design multi-megawatt power systems, yet no power system in the 100 kilowatt, electric range has been built and flown. Technology demonstrations and studies leave a myriad of systems from which decision makers can choose to build the first manned space nuclear power system. While many subsystem engineers plan in parallel, an accurate specific mass value becomes an important design specification, which is still uncertain. This thesis goes through the design features of the manned Mars mission, its power system requirements, their design attributes as well as their design faults. Specific mass is calculated statistically as well as empirically for 1-15MWe systems. Conclusions are presented on each subsystem as well as recommendations for decision makers on where development needs to begin today in order for the mission to launch in the future.

Download or read book Space Nuclear Power Conversion and Energy Storage for the Nineties and Beyond written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Technology. Subcommittee on Energy Research and Production and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 560 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Space Nuclear Fission Electric Power Systems written by David Buden and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page 277 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The advantages of space nuclear fission power systems can be summarized as: compact size; low to moderate mass; long operating lifetimes; the ability to operate in extremely hostile environments; operation independent of the distance from the Sun or of the orientation to the Sun; and high system reliability and autonomy. In fact, as power requirements approach the tens of kilowatts and megawatts, fission nuclear energy appears to be the only realistic power option. The building blocks for space nuclear fission electric power systems include the reactor as the heat source, power generation equipment to convert the thermal energy to electrical power, waste heat rejection radiators and shielding to protect the spacecraft payload. The power generation equipment can take the form of either static electrical conversion elements that have no moving parts (e.g., thermoelectric or thermionic) or dynamic conversion components (e.g., the Rankine, Brayton or Stirling cycle). The U.S. has only demonstrated in space, or even in full systems in a simulated ground environment, uranium-zirconium-hydride reactor power plants. These power plants were designed for a limited lifetime of one year and the mass of scaled up power plants would probably be unacceptable to meet future mission needs. Extensive development was performed on the liquid-metal cooled SP-100 power systems and components were well on their way to being tested in a relevant environment. A generic flight system design was completed for a seven year operating lifetime power plant, but not built or tested. The former USSR made extensive use of space reactors as a power source for radar ocean reconnaissance satellites. They launched some 31 missions using reactors with thermoelectric power conversion systems and two with thermionic converters. Current activities are centered on Fission Surface Power for lunar applications. Activities are concentrating on demonstrating component readiness. This book will discuss the components that make up a nuclear fission power system, the principal requirements and safety issues, various development programs, status of developments, and development issues.

Download or read book Multi Megawatt Power System Analysis Report written by and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Missions to the outer planets or to near-by planets requiring short times and/or increased payload carrying capability will benefit from nuclear power. A concept study was undertaken to evaluate options for a multi-megawatt power source for nuclear electric propulsion. The nominal electric power requirement was set at 15 MWe with an assumed mission profile of 120 days at full power, 60 days in hot standby, and another 120 days of full power, repeated several times for 7 years of service. Of the numerous options considered, two that appeared to have the greatest promise were a gas-cooled reactor based on the NERVA Derivative design, operating a closed cycle Brayton power conversion system; and a molten lithium-cooled reactor based on SP-100 technology, driving a boiling potassium Rankine power conversion system. This study examined the relative merits of these two systems, seeking to optimize the specific mass. Conclusions were that either concept appeared capable of approaching the specific mass goal of 3-5 kg/kWe estimated to be needed for this class of mission, though neither could be realized without substantial development in reactor fuels technology, thermal radiator mass efficiency, and power conversion and distribution electronics and systems capable of operating at high temperatures. Though the gas-Brayton systems showed an apparent advantage in specific mass, differences in the degree of conservatism inherent in the models used suggests expectations for the two approaches may be similar. Brayton systems eliminate the need to deal with two-phase flows in the microgravity environment of space.

Download or read book Megawatt Class Nuclear Space Power Systems McNsps Conceptual Design and Evaluation Report Volume 2 Technologies 1 written by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-07-18 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The objectives of the Megawatt Class Nuclear Space Power System (MCNSPS) study are summarized and candidate systems and subsystems are described. Particular emphasis is given to the heat rejection system and the space reactor subsystem. Wetch, J. R. Unspecified Center HEAT PIPES; HEAT RADIATORS; REACTOR DESIGN; SPACE POWER REACTORS; SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES; EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS; NUCLEAR FUELS; NUCLEAR REACTOR CONTROL; REACTOR SAFETY; SYSTEMS ENGINEERING; WORKING FLUIDS...

Download or read book Space Nuclear Power Generation Conversion and Storage for the Nineties and Beyond written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Technology. Subcommittee on Energy Research and Production and published by . This book was released on 1986 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Nuclear Power in Space written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Subcommittee on Energy Research and Development and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book PEGASUS written by and published by . This book was released on 1985 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With the Space Transportation System (STS), the advent of space station Columbus and the development of expertise at working in space that this will entail, the gateway is open to the final frontier. The exploration of this frontier is possible with state-of-the-art hydrogen/oxygen propulsion but would be greatly enhanced by the higher specific impulse of electric propulsion. This paper presents a concept that uses a multi-megawatt nuclear power plant to drive an electric propulsion system. The concept has been named PEGASUS, PowEr GenerAting System for Use in Space, and is intended as a ''work horse'' for general space transportation needs, both long- and short-haul missions. The recent efforts of the SP-100 program indicate that a power system capable of producing upwards of 1 megawatt of electric power should be available in the next decade. Additionally, efforts in other areas indicate that a power system with a constant power capability an order of magnitude greater could be available near the turn of the century. With the advances expected in megawatt-class space power systems, the high specific impulse propulsion systems must be reconsidered as potential propulsion systems. The power system is capable of meeting both the propulsion system and spacecraft power requirements.

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 Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power written by Bahram Nassersharif, PH D and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-08-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power: Principles, Systems, and Applications Unlock the Future of Space Exploration Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power: Principles, Systems, and Applications is a vital text for students, practitioners, and industry professionals, offering a deep exploration of space nuclear propulsion and power systems. This extensive guide provides essential knowledge for understanding and advancing technologies that will propel humanity into space. In-depth Coverage of Cutting-Edge Technologies This book examines various propulsion systems, including chemical and nuclear thermal propulsion. It details the fundamentals of rocket propulsion, combustion dynamics, nozzle design, and critical calculations. Readers gain insights into practical considerations, such as high-speed exhaust gas generation and efficiency optimization. Advanced Mathematical Formulations and Real-World Examples To ensure practical application, the book includes real-world examples and detailed mathematical formulations, such as the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, nuclear fission, radioactivity, and neutronics. These examples help readers understand and apply principles to their studies in space nuclear systems. The structured approach, combining theory with practical examples, makes complex concepts accessible and engaging. Innovative Power Solutions for Space Missions Beyond propulsion, the book explores radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and nuclear reactors for powering spacecraft and lunar bases. RTGs, converting heat from radioisotope decay into electricity, have powered missions like Voyager, Cassini, and New Horizons. Nuclear reactors offer high power levels for propulsion and power generation, with detailed coverage of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). NTP systems use a nuclear reactor to heat hydrogen, producing thrust, while NEP systems generate electricity to power electric thrusters, ideal for deep space missions. Powering Lunar Bases and Mars Missions Nuclear technologies extend beyond space travel to lunar and Mars missions. Nuclear reactors provide robust power sources for habitats, scientific experiments, and resource extraction on the Moon and Mars. These environments make solar power less viable, especially for long-duration missions. Nuclear power supports life support systems, communication, and mobility, offering sustainable energy where sunlight is insufficient. Inspiration for Future Innovators Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power is more than a textbook; it challenges readers to think critically about the future of space exploration and the role of nuclear technology. Emphasizing theory and practice integration, the book inspires curiosity and innovation, encouraging contributions to ongoing design and development in this fascinating field. Join the Journey to the Stars Whether you are a student or a seasoned professional, Space Nuclear Propulsion and Power offers valuable insights and guidance. Engage with the material, challenge presented concepts, and join the community advancing technologies that will shape space exploration's future and our understanding of the universe. Embrace the journey into the unknown and unlock the potential of space nuclear propulsion and power with this definitive text. Welcome to an exploration of technologies propelling humanity to the stars.

Download or read book Nuclear Science written by and published by . This book was released on 1987 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Megawatt Class Nuclear Space Power Systems McNsps Conceptual Design and Evaluation Report Volume 3 Technologies 2 written by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-07-18 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The major power conversion concepts considered for the Megawatt Class Nuclear Space Power System (MCNSPS) are discussed. These concepts include: (1) Rankine alkali-metal-vapor turbine alternators; (2) in-core thermionic conversion; (3) Brayton gas turbine alternators; and (4) free piston Stirling engine linear alternators. Considerations important to the coupling of these four conversion alternatives to an appropriate nuclear reactor heat source are examined along with the comparative performance characteristics of the combined systems meeting MCNSPS requirements. Wetch, J. R. Unspecified Center BRAYTON CYCLE; ENERGY CONVERSION; RANKINE CYCLE; REACTOR DESIGN; SPACE POWER REACTORS; SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES; STIRLING ENGINES; THERMIONIC CONVERTERS; TURBOGENERATORS; EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS; HEAT PIPES; HEAT RADIATORS; PERFORMANCE PREDICTION; SYSTEMS ENGINEERING; WORKING FLUIDS...

Download or read book Radioisotope Power Systems written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2009-08-14 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Spacecraft require electrical energy. This energy must be available in the outer reaches of the solar system where sunlight is very faint. It must be available through lunar nights that last for 14 days, through long periods of dark and cold at the higher latitudes on Mars, and in high-radiation fields such as those around Jupiter. Radioisotope power systems (RPSs) are the only available power source that can operate unconstrained in these environments for the long periods of time needed to accomplish many missions, and plutonium-238 (238Pu) is the only practical isotope for fueling them. Plutonium-238 does not occur in nature. The committee does not believe that there is any additional 238Pu (or any operational 238Pu production facilities) available anywhere in the world.The total amount of 238Pu available for NASA is fixed, and essentially all of it is already dedicated to support several pending missions-the Mars Science Laboratory, Discovery 12, the Outer Planets Flagship 1 (OPF 1), and (perhaps) a small number of additional missions with a very small demand for 238Pu. If the status quo persists, the United States will not be able to provide RPSs for any subsequent missions.

Download or read book The Space Nuclear Reactor Program written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Technology. Subcommittee on Energy Research and Production and published by . This book was released on 1983 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: