The Future of Radioisotope Power Systems for American Space Exploration
- Paper number
IAC-08.C4.7.-C3.5.2
- Author
Ms. Emma Hinds, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Micah Walter-Range, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Deaglan McNamara, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
This paper discusses the historical uses of radioisotope power systems (RPS), technical issues concerning current and planned technologies, and the policy environment in the United States regarding their utilization. The specific issue at hand is that the American civil space program is currently reliant upon Russia for supply of the material used in RPS, Plutonium-238. With the Russian supply of Plutonium-238 becoming rapidly depleted, the United States must either restart domestic production of Plutonium-238 or abandon plans for future missions requiring the use of RPS. Any future decisions on Plutonium-238 and the utilization of RPS involve several layers of government, including the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Energy, and the White House. This is a policy issue of strategic importance for the future of the American space exploration enterprise, concerning sensitive materials and technologies, exploration missions of high priority, and labyrinthine interactions on both the interagency and international levels. The next American Presidential administration will have to decide whether or not to restart the domestic production of Plutonium-238. The authors will endeavor to provide a set of recommendations concerning the future use of RPS and Plutonium-238 in American space activities.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.C4.7.-C3.5.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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