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The past as prologue - A look at historical flight qualifications for space nuclear systemsCurrently the U.S. is sponsoring production of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for the Cassini mission to Saturn; the SP-100 space nuclear reactor power system for NASA applications; a thermionic space reactor program for DoD applications as well as early work on nuclear propulsion. In an era of heightened public concern about having successful space ventures it is important that a full understanding be developed of what it means to 'flight qualify' a space nuclear system. As a contribution to the ongoing work this paper reviews several qualification programs, including the general-purpose heat source radioisotope thermoelectric generators (GPHS-RTGs) as developed for the Galileo and Ulysses missions, the SNAP-10A space reactor, the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications (NERVA), the F-1 chemical engine used on the Saturn-V, and the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs). Similarities and contrasts are noted.
Document ID
19930041905
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bennett, Gary L.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: IECEC '92; Proceedings of the 27th Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, San Diego, CA, Aug. 3-7, 1992. Vol. 1 (A93-25851 09-44)
Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
93A25902
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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