Space Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power in Space

S pace nuclear power is a doubleedged sword. Although it has played a constructive role in the exploration of space and could continue to do so, it has been burdened by an extensive history of aCCidents and failures, both Soviet and American. Numerous nuclear-powered spacecraft have released radioactive materials. Spent reactors now in Earth orbit exacerbate the threat posed by orbital debris. ...

Mitigation of Potential Environmental Risks of Space Nuclear Power Sources (NPS) Missions in International Law

Multi-megawatt Space Nuclear Power Generation

UWFDM-1104 Non-Nuclear Power Sources for Deep Space

An analysis is made of the synergism of electric propulsion and non-nuclear power for deep space applications (i.e., to the asteroid belt and beyond). In current generation systems, electric propulsion is usually considered to be impractical because of the lack of high power for deep space, and non-nuclear power is thought to be impractical partly due to its high mass. However, when taken in co...

An Approach to Autonomous Control for Space Nuclear Power Systems

Under Project Prometheus, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) investigated deep space missions that would utilize space nuclear power systems (SNPSs) to provide energy for propulsion and spacecraft power. The initial study involved the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO), which was proposed to conduct in-depth studies of three Jovian moons. Current radioisotope thermoelectric ...