Gaseous fuel nuclear reactor researchGaseous-fuel nuclear reactors are described; their distinguishing feature is the use of fissile fuels in a gaseous or plasma state, thereby breaking the barrier of temperature imposed by solid-fuel elements. This property creates a reactor heat source that may be able to heat the propellant of a rocket engine to 10,000 or 20,000 K. At this temperature level, gas-core reactors would provide the breakthrough in propulsion needed to open the entire solar system to manned and unmanned spacecraft. The possibility of fuel recycling makes possible efficiencies of up to 65% and nuclear safety at reduced cost, as well as high-thrust propulsion capabilities with specific impulse up to 5000 sec.
Document ID
19750056105
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Schwenk, F. C.
Thom, K. (NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1975
Subject Category
Nuclear And High-Energy Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Energy - Engineering - Environment; Seventh Annual Frontiers of Power Technology Conference, Stillwater