Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) has been recognized as an enabling technology for missions to Mars and beyond. However, one of the key challenges of developing a nuclear thermal rocket is conducting verification and development tests on the ground. A number of ground test options are presented, with the Sub-surface Active Filtration of Exhaust (SAFE) method identified as a preferred path forward for the NTP program. The SAFE concept utilizes the natural soil characteristics present at the Nevada National Security Site to provide a natural filter for nuclear rocket exhaust during ground testing. A validation method of the SAFE concept is presented, utilizing a non-nuclear sub-scale hydrogen/oxygen rocket seeded with detectible radioisotopes. Additionally, some alternative ground test concepts, based upon the SAFE concept, are presented. Finally, an overview of the ongoing discussions of developing a ground test campaign are presented.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Subscale Validation of the Subsurface Active Filtration of Exhaust (SAFE) Approach to the NTP Ground Testing


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Joint Propulsion Conference ; 2015 ; Orlando, FL, United States


    Publication date :

    2015-07-27


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Subscale Validation of the Subsurface Active Filtration of Exhaust (SAFE) Approach to NTP Ground Testing

    Marshall, William M. / Borowski, Stanley K. / Martin, Charles et al. | AIAA | 2015


    Subscale Validation of the Subsurface Active Filtration of Exhaust (SAFE) Approach to NTP Ground Testing

    Marshall, William M. / Borowski, Stanley K. / Bulman, Mel et al. | NTRS | 2015



    Experimental Validation: Subscale Aircraft Ground Facilities and Integrated Test Capability

    Bailey, Roger / Hostetler, Robert / Barnes, Kevin et al. | AIAA | 2005


    Experimental Validation: Subscale Aircraft Ground Facilities and Integrated Test Capability

    R. M. Bailey / R. W. Hostetler / K. N. Barnes et al. | NTIS | 2005