Overview on space nuclear systems

© 2014, The Author(s). Nuclear power sources have enabled or enhanced some of the most challenging and exciting space missions ever conducted. Since 1961, 47 radioisotope thermoelectric generators and 36 space nuclear reactors were successfully flown to provide power for 62 space systems. Yet, the f...

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Main Author: Carlos O. Maidana
Format: Book Series
Published: 2018
Online Access:https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85028812796&origin=inward
http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/45321
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Institution: Chiang Mai University
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spelling th-cmuir.6653943832-453212018-01-24T06:08:30Z Overview on space nuclear systems Carlos O. Maidana © 2014, The Author(s). Nuclear power sources have enabled or enhanced some of the most challenging and exciting space missions ever conducted. Since 1961, 47 radioisotope thermoelectric generators and 36 space nuclear reactors were successfully flown to provide power for 62 space systems. Yet, the future of nuclear technology for space exploration promises even more remarkable journeys and more amazing discoveries. Space fission nuclear systems can be divided in radioisotope power generators, nuclear thermal propulsion, nuclear electric propulsion and fission surface power technologies. Space radioisotope power systems use radioisotope decay to generate heat and electricity for space missions. For the last fifty-four years, radioisotope thermoelectric generators have provided safe, reliable electric power for space missions where solar power is not feasible. The new advanced sterling radioisotope generators are sought to do an even more efficient job on heat and electricity generation for future space missions. But future space missions will need increased power for propulsion and for surface power applications to support both robotic and human space exploration missions. Nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion are the most technically mature, advanced propulsion systems that can enable a rapid access to different regions of interest throughout the solar system. The latter is possible by its ability to provide a step increase above what is feasible using a traditional chemical rocket system. Nuclear fission-based power systems are the best suited power sources for surface missions requiring high power in difficult environments where sunlight is limited and reliability is paramount. An overlook of such technologies and activities is presented. 2018-01-24T06:08:30Z 2018-01-24T06:08:30Z 2014-01-01 Book Series 21915318 2191530X 2-s2.0-85028812796 10.1007/978-3-319-09030-6_2 https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85028812796&origin=inward http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/45321
institution Chiang Mai University
building Chiang Mai University Library
country Thailand
collection CMU Intellectual Repository
description © 2014, The Author(s). Nuclear power sources have enabled or enhanced some of the most challenging and exciting space missions ever conducted. Since 1961, 47 radioisotope thermoelectric generators and 36 space nuclear reactors were successfully flown to provide power for 62 space systems. Yet, the future of nuclear technology for space exploration promises even more remarkable journeys and more amazing discoveries. Space fission nuclear systems can be divided in radioisotope power generators, nuclear thermal propulsion, nuclear electric propulsion and fission surface power technologies. Space radioisotope power systems use radioisotope decay to generate heat and electricity for space missions. For the last fifty-four years, radioisotope thermoelectric generators have provided safe, reliable electric power for space missions where solar power is not feasible. The new advanced sterling radioisotope generators are sought to do an even more efficient job on heat and electricity generation for future space missions. But future space missions will need increased power for propulsion and for surface power applications to support both robotic and human space exploration missions. Nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion are the most technically mature, advanced propulsion systems that can enable a rapid access to different regions of interest throughout the solar system. The latter is possible by its ability to provide a step increase above what is feasible using a traditional chemical rocket system. Nuclear fission-based power systems are the best suited power sources for surface missions requiring high power in difficult environments where sunlight is limited and reliability is paramount. An overlook of such technologies and activities is presented.
format Book Series
author Carlos O. Maidana
spellingShingle Carlos O. Maidana
Overview on space nuclear systems
author_facet Carlos O. Maidana
author_sort Carlos O. Maidana
title Overview on space nuclear systems
title_short Overview on space nuclear systems
title_full Overview on space nuclear systems
title_fullStr Overview on space nuclear systems
title_full_unstemmed Overview on space nuclear systems
title_sort overview on space nuclear systems
publishDate 2018
url https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=85028812796&origin=inward
http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/45321
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