Small reactor power system for space applicationA development history and comparative performance capability evaluation is presented for spacecraft nuclear powerplant Small Reactor Power System alternatives. The choice of power conversion technology depends on the reactor's operating temperature; thermionic, thermoelectric, organic Rankine, and Alkali metal thermoelectric conversion are the primary power conversion subsystem technology alternatives. A tabulation is presented for such spacecraft nuclear reactor test histories as those of SNAP-10A, SP-100, and NERVA.
Document ID
19880024610
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Shirbacheh, M. (California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, United States)