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Comparison of open and closed multimegawatt space power systemsOne of the major questions that is being addressed at present by SDI Multimegawatt Space Power Project is whether or not space weapon power systems must be closed, i.e., whether effluents from the systems are tolerable. If they are not tolerable, the major penalty that must be paid to close space systems is increased mass. Open systems remove waste heat by producing effluents, e.g., hot hydrogen gas. Closed systems require radiators, thermal storage masses, effluent storage, or refrigeration to remove waste heat. The mass penalty incurred by addition of these devices is so severe that the option of closing space power systems should be avoided if at all possible. The mass penalty is even more severe if the weapon system itself must also be closed.
Document ID
19880014969
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gallup, D. R.
(Sandia National Labs. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Edenburn, M. W.
(Sandia National Labs. Albuquerque, NM, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: New Mexico Univ., Transactions of the Fourth Symposium on Space Nuclear Power Systems
Subject Category
Nuclear And High-Energy Physics
Accession Number
88N24353
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-AC04-76DP-00789
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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