Russian Experience in Development and Testing of Nuclear Power Systems and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Systems of the First Generation as the Basis for Development of Advanced Power and Propulsion Complexes for Peaceful Exploration of Near and Deep Space
- Paper number
IAC-05-C3.5-C4.7.09
- Author
Mr. Nikolai N. Ponomarev-Stepnoi, Federal State Institution Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute, Russia
- Coauthor
Mr. Veniamin A. Usov, Federal State Institution Russian Research Center Kurchatov Institute, Russia
- Year
2005
- Abstract
Reactor-based nuclear power systems found a certain niche in space programs in the 20th century. The promise offered by nuclear (reactor-based) power systems in space applications is determined by the following advantages over conventional solar photoelectric and other power sources: •independence from the distance from the Sun and orientation relative to the Sun; •small size; •better mass and size parameters when used in unmanned spacecraft beginning with the power level of several tens of kW; •resistance to radiation belt conditions; •a possibility to combine them (for thrust generation) with the highest specific impulse electric propulsion systems to produce power and propulsion complexes capable of inserting into high-power orbits 2 to 3 heavier payloads than by means of chemical stages, while providing 50 to 400 kW electric power to spacecraft equipment during a long term (up to 5-7 years and more). The Russian BUK space thermoelectric systems successfully operated in marine radar surveillance spacecraft. Two Russian TOPAZ space thermionic systems were in 1987 successfully demonstrated during 0.5 and 1 year in combination with electric thrusters in Cosmos-1818 and Cosmos-1876 spacecraft. The Russian ENISEY space nuclear power system developed for space communication system and direct TV broadcasting for remote Russian regions underwent a complete cycle of ground tests, including nuclear power testing during 1.5 years. Extensive research and development efforts were undertaken in Russia to build nuclear thermal propulsion systems. The work on SNPS and NTP performed in Russia provides a basis for further development of activities on utilization of nuclear power in space (for building a radar system in the low-earth orbit, Lunar base and Mars mission, exploration of Jupiter Moons). These activities rely on establishment of a technology base in the 21st century and building powerful power and propulsion complexes capable of delivering 2 to 3 times heavier payloads from radiation-safe near-earth orbits to high-power orbits, and providing spacecraft equipment with 50 to 100 and above kW electric power during a long term (up to 10 years). The basic requirement of these activities is to ensure nuclear and radiation safety of space nuclear power and propulsion systems for population of the Earth. A system shall be brought to power only in a high (at least 800 km) radiation-safe orbit, where the spacecraft existence time significantly exceeds the time it takes radioactivity accumulated in the reactor to decay to the initial level. The paper summarizes Russian experience in development of the first generation of nuclear power systems with direct (thermoelectric and thermionic) power conversion (ROMASHKA reactor/converter, BUK, TOPOL and ENISEY) and components of nuclear thermal propulsion systems. Based on the accumulated experience, Russia pursues research activities on development of individual components of higher power (50-400 kWe) and longer life (up to 5-7 years ad more) power and propulsion complexes capable of providing thrust for spacecraft transfer from a radiation-safe near-earth orbit to a geostationary orbit and into deep space, and generating power for long-term supply of spacecraft systems. The paper presents main parameters of the ROMASHKA converter/reactor, BUK, TOPOL and ENISEY SNPS developed in Russia at the first stage of activities, compares demonstrated parameters of NTP components with those achieved in the US. Based on the performed R\&D and experience of the first generation systems development, the paper presents design parameters of advanced power and propulsion systems with electric thrusters for the electric power range from 50 to 400 kW with thermionic conversion, using NTP for thrust generation and closed gas turbine system for electricity generation for spacecraft equipment power supply. The development level of individual SNPS components and systems which can be used in advanced higher power and longer life systems is indicated. Experimental and test facilities available in Russia that after certain upgrading can be used for testing advanced space nuclear power systems are described. The paper expresses an opinion about the need for international cooperation in development of advanced SNPS for peaceful uses in near and deep space.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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