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Radioactive satellites - Intact reentry and breakup by debris impactThere is a substantial mass of radioactive material in nuclear reactors or radioisotope thermal generators (RTGs) in orbit about the earth. This paper examines the reentry of intact nuclear fuel cores and RTGs and the fragmentation and subsequent radioactive debris cloud deposition and evolution resulting from the impact of orbital debris upon an orbiting reactor, fuel core, or RTG. To assess the intact reentry, decay rates and a predicted decay date using historical and projected orbital decay data, are estimated. The current NASA debris environment model is utilized to estimate impact rates and debris cloud evolution of a fragmentation event. Results of these analyses are compared and concepts are tendered which would tend to minimize the radiological debris hazard to personnel and structures both on the earth's surface and in low earth orbit.
Document ID
19920036031
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Anz-Meador, P. D.
(Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Potter, A. E., Jr.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 11
Issue: 12, 1
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Accession Number
92A18655
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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