A gas core fission reactor that utilizes americium in place of uranium is examined for potential utilization as a nuclear rocket for space propulsion. The isomer 242mAm with a half life of 141 years is obtained from an (n, γ) capture reaction with 241Am, and has the highest known thermal fission cross section. We consider a 7500 MW reactor, whose propulsion characteristics with 235U have already been established, and re‐examine it using americium. We find that the same performance can be achieved at a comparable fuel density, and a radial size reduction (of both core and moderator/reflector) of about 70%.


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    Title :

    An americium‐fueled gas core nuclear rocket


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Proceedings of the tenth symposium on space nuclear power and propulsion ; 1993 ; Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA)


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 271 , 1 ; 585-589


    Publication date :

    1993-01-10


    Size :

    5 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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