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Key issues in space nuclear powerThe future appears rich in missions that will extend the frontiers of knowledge, human presence in space, and opportunities for profitable commerce. Key to the success of these ventures is the availability of plentiful, cost effective electric power and assured, low cost access to space. While forecasts of space power needs are problematic, an assessment of future needs based on terrestrial experience has been made. These needs fall into three broad categories: survival, self sufficiency, and industrialization. The cost of delivering payloads to orbital locations from LEO to Mars has been determined and future launch cost reductions projected. From these factors, then, projections of the performance necessary for future solar and nuclear space power options has been made. These goals are largely dependent upon orbital location and energy storage needs. Finally the cost of present space power systems has been determined and projections made for future systems.
Document ID
19910009866
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Brandhorst, Henry W.
(NASA Lewis Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
E-5847
NASA-TM-103656
NAS 1.15:103656
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on Space Nuclear Power Systems
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Country: United States
Start Date: January 6, 1991
End Date: January 10, 1991
Sponsors: Strategic Defense Initiative Organization, AF, DOE, New Mexico Univ.
Accession Number
91N19179
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 590-13-11
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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