Nuclear power has been considered for space applications since the 1960s. Radioisotope Thermo-electric Generators (RTGs) have been used on all robotic missions beyond Mars and on human missions since the Apollo program.  Between 1955 and 1972 the US built and tested nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) engines to be able to send humans to Mars and beyond. In 2008, the NASA Mars Architecture Team found that the use of a Fission Surface Power (FSP) reactor was ENABLING for human missions to the Mars surface and that the NTR was the PREFERRED propulsion system for the mission.   The Center for Space Nuclear Research (CSNR) is pursuing development of tungsten based fuels for use in a NTR, for a surface power reactor, and to encapsulate radioisotopes for advanced, low mass, compact power sources. Fabrication of sub-length, tungsten cermet elements reminiscent of NERVA fuel has been completed using depleted uranium oxide. In addition, the CSNR Summer Fellows program has examined several human mission scenarios that benefit from the use of the NTR or robotic missions that would use small power sources.  Conceptually, Cubesats may soon be able to be launched to the outer planets affordably allowing universities to send probes throughout the solar system.  The results of recent investigations into alternatives in design and materials for future systems will be discussed.

Future nuclear technologies to open exploration of the solar system: Current activities at the Center for Space Nuclear Research

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.