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The disposal of nuclear waste in spaceThe important problem of disposal of nuclear waste in space is addressed. A prior study proposed carrying only actinide wastes to space, but the present study assumes that all actinides and all fission products are to be carried to space. It is shown that nuclear waste in the calcine (oxide) form can be packaged in a container designed to provide thermal control, radiation shielding, mechanical containment, and an abort reentry thermal protection system. This package can be transported to orbit via the Space Shuttle. A second Space Shuttle delivers an oxygen-hydrogen orbit transfer vehicle to a rendezvous compatible orbit and the mated OTV and waste package are sent to the preferred destination. Preferred locations are either a lunar crater or a solar orbit. Shuttle traffic densities (which vary in time) are given and the safety of space disposal of wastes discussed.
Document ID
19780036878
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Burns, R. E.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Systems Analysis and Integration Laboratory, Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1978
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 78-280
Meeting Information
Meeting: Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Location: Huntsville, AL
Start Date: January 16, 1978
End Date: January 18, 1978
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
78A20787
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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