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Nuclear radiation problems, unmanned thermionic reactor ion propulsion spacecraftA nuclear thermionic reactor as the electric power source for an electric propulsion spacecraft introduces a nuclear radiation environment that affects the spacecraft configuration, the use and location of electrical insulators and the science experiments. The spacecraft is conceptually configured to minimize the nuclear shield weight by: (1) a large length to diameter spacecraft; (2) eliminating piping penetrations through the shield; and (3) using the mercury propellant as gamma shield. Since the alumina material is damaged by the high nuclear radiation environment in the reactor it is desirable to locate the alumina insulator outside the reflector or develop a more radiation resistant insulator.
Document ID
19720009989
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mondt, J. F.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Sawyer, C. D.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Nakashima, A.
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: NASA, Washington Proc. of the Natl. Symp. on Nat. and Manmade Radiation in Space
Subject Category
Nuclear Engineering
Accession Number
72N17639
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-100
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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