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Gaseous fuel reactor systems for aerospace applicationsResearch on the gaseous fuel nuclear rocket concept continues under the programs of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office for Aeronautics and Space Technology and now includes work related to power applications in space and on earth. In a cavity reactor test series, initial experiments confirmed the low critical mass determined from reactor physics calculations. Recent work with flowing UF6 fuel indicates stable operation at increased power levels. Preliminary design and experimental verification of test hardware for high-temperature experiments have been accomplished. Research on energy extraction from fissioning gases has resulted in lasers energized by fission fragments. Combined experimental results and studies indicate that gaseous-fuel reactor systems have significant potential for providing nuclear fission power in space and on earth.
Document ID
19770041077
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Thom, K.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Schwenk, F. C.
(NASA Research Div. Washington, D.C., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1977
Subject Category
Nuclear And High-Energy Physics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 77-513
Meeting Information
Meeting: Conference on the Future of Aerospace Power Systems
Location: St. Louis, MO
Start Date: March 1, 1977
End Date: March 3, 1977
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Accession Number
77A23929
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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