Technologies and Concepts for Nuclear Fission Systems for Space Power and Propulsion Applications
- Paper number
IAC-05-C3.5-C4.7.01
- Author
Mr. Samit K. Bhattacharyya, RENMAR Enterprises, Inc, United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The idea of exploiting the large energy densities produced by fission reactions for the design of compact power sources for space was conceived almost simultaneously with the first demonstration of the stable nuclear chain reaction itself. A number of studies dating back to the 1940’s have established the conceptual feasibility of space nuclear systems. Several major programs in the US and Russia have led to the development of major technologies for the application, and to the launch of 36 nuclear fission powered earth orbiting stations (one by the US and 35 by Russia). Recent interest in the US in the development of high power electric propulsion systems for the exploration of the outer planets and their satellites (the Prometheus project), and in the detailed exploration of Moon and Mars with particular emphasis on human involvement (President Bush’s Vision for Space Exploration), have renewed interest in the development of advanced fission energy sources for space use. The current status of potential concepts and key technologies is the subject of this paper. Three classes of nuclear fission systems could find applications in the emerging visions for space exploration. These are the high power (100’s of kwe) nuclear electric propulsion systems, low to intermediate power (10’s to low 100’s kwe) steady state nuclear systems for planetary surface use, and nuclear thermal propulsion systems for rapid transport of humans to Mars. In addition, there are proposed bimodal systems that add a low power (10’s of kwe) adjunct to the primary nuclear thermal propulsion system in order to provide housekeeping power as well as power for astronauts in Mars. There is a potential play for very high power (several Mwe) systems in the rapid transports to Mars via electric propulsion as well. The key technologies include nuclear fuels, high temperature materials and components, radiation hardened electronics, shielding, long- life high efficiency power conversion systems, heat rejection systems, high power electric thrusters and autonomous control systems. Ground testing of the nuclear reactor along with the associated space system components under near-prototypic conditions introduces complex infrastructure considerations. While the challenges for the development and deployment of these technologies are large, the payoffs in the form of greatly increased capabilities for space exploration will be unprecedented. In addition, this venture could provide an opportunity for International collaboration for the benefit of all mankind.
- Abstract document