The use of nuclear systems for propulsion and power are being examined as system options for implementing the lunar and Mars human exploration missions currently being studied by NASA. Systems might include nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) and nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) vehicles, operating reactors on coorbiting platforms, radioisotope thermoelectric generators, and others. The space station, as a transportation node, would have to store, assemble, launch and refurbish elements containing these systems. Care must be taken to safeguard humans from the radiation imposed by these systems, in addition to the naturally occuring background of the space environment. Key issues need to be identified early to enable their proper consideration in planning activities and the baseline space station design. A study was conducted over the past year with Texas A&M University to identify and explore key issues and quantify findings in a way useful to the Space Station Program.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Accommodation of Nuclear Power and Propulsion Concepts

    Stevenson, Steven M. / Bolch, Wesley e. / Thomas, J. Kelley | NTRS | 1990


    Nuclear concepts/propulsion

    Miller, Thomas J. | NTRS | 1993



    Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Test Facilities Accommodation at INEL

    Hill, T. J. / Reed, W. C. / Welland, H. J. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1993