The Role of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Propulsion in the Peaceful Exploration of Space

The Role of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Propulsion in the Peaceful Exploration of Space PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher: IAEA
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 152

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Book Description
Provides details of a variety of radioisotope power systems, shows in what circumstances they surpass other power systems, and provides the history of the space missions in which they have been employed. The book also summarizes the use of on-board reactors and the testing done on reactor rocket thrusters.

The Role of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Propulsion in the Peaceful Exploration of Space

The Role of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Propulsion in the Peaceful Exploration of Space PDF Author: International Atomic Energy Agency
Publisher: IAEA
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 152

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Book Description
Provides details of a variety of radioisotope power systems, shows in what circumstances they surpass other power systems, and provides the history of the space missions in which they have been employed. The book also summarizes the use of on-board reactors and the testing done on reactor rocket thrusters.

Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration

Benefits Stemming from Space Exploration PDF Author: Isecg
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781457849091
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 26

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Book Description


Uranium Enrichment and Nuclear Weapon Proliferation

Uranium Enrichment and Nuclear Weapon Proliferation PDF Author: Allan S. Krass
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 100020054X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 325

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Book Description
Originally published in 1983, this book presents both the technical and political information necessary to evaluate the emerging threat to world security posed by recent advances in uranium enrichment technology. Uranium enrichment has played a relatively quiet but important role in the history of efforts by a number of nations to acquire nuclear weapons and by a number of others to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. For many years the uranium enrichment industry was dominated by a single method, gaseous diffusion, which was technically complex, extremely capital-intensive, and highly inefficient in its use of energy. As long as this remained true, only the richest and most technically advanced nations could afford to pursue the enrichment route to weapon acquisition. But during the 1970s this situation changed dramatically. Several new and far more accessible enrichment techniques were developed, stimulated largely by the anticipation of a rapidly growing demand for enrichment services by the world-wide nuclear power industry. This proliferation of new techniques, coupled with the subsequent contraction of the commercial market for enriched uranium, has created a situation in which uranium enrichment technology might well become the most important contributor to further nuclear weapon proliferation. Some of the issues addressed in this book are: A technical analysis of the most important enrichment techniques in a form that is relevant to analysis of proliferation risks; A detailed projection of the world demand for uranium enrichment services; A summary and critique of present institutional non-proliferation arrangements in the world enrichment industry, and An identification of the states most likely to pursue the enrichment route to acquisition of nuclear weapons.

Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration

Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780309684804
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Space Nuclear Propulsion for Human Mars Exploration identifies primary technical and programmatic challenges, merits, and risks for developing and demonstrating space nuclear propulsion technologies of interest to future exploration missions. This report presents key milestones and a top-level development and demonstration roadmap for performance nuclear thermal propulsion and nuclear electric propulsion systems and identifies missions that could be enabled by successful development of each technology.

Radioisotope Power Systems

Radioisotope Power Systems PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309138574
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 68

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Book Description
Spacecraft require electrical energy. This energy must be available in the outer reaches of the solar system where sunlight is very faint. It must be available through lunar nights that last for 14 days, through long periods of dark and cold at the higher latitudes on Mars, and in high-radiation fields such as those around Jupiter. Radioisotope power systems (RPSs) are the only available power source that can operate unconstrained in these environments for the long periods of time needed to accomplish many missions, and plutonium-238 (238Pu) is the only practical isotope for fueling them. Plutonium-238 does not occur in nature. The committee does not believe that there is any additional 238Pu (or any operational 238Pu production facilities) available anywhere in the world.The total amount of 238Pu available for NASA is fixed, and essentially all of it is already dedicated to support several pending missions-the Mars Science Laboratory, Discovery 12, the Outer Planets Flagship 1 (OPF 1), and (perhaps) a small number of additional missions with a very small demand for 238Pu. If the status quo persists, the United States will not be able to provide RPSs for any subsequent missions.

Movement And Maneuver In Deep Space

Movement And Maneuver In Deep Space PDF Author: Brian E. Hans
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781608881932
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 74

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Book Description
From the authors' abstract: "This analytical study looks at the importance of Deep Space Operations and recommends an approach for senior policy leaders. Section 1 presents a capability requirements definition with candidate solutions and technology strategies. Section 2 recommends an acquisition and organizational approach. Section 3 provides an extended strategic rationale for deep space operations as a national priority." And from the Introduction: [this essay] "presents capability requirements, potential solutions, and strategic rationale for achieving movement and maneuver advantage in deep space. In this context, deep space is anything beyond geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). Driving the research are two primary assumptions underpinning the need for investment in deep space propulsion. The first assumption is that growing international activity, commerce, and industry in space extends the global commons, thus creating a military-economic imperative for the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to expand its protection of U.S. interests by defending space lines of communication. Although there are wide-ranging reasons to expand the space-faring capabilities of the human species, from the capitalistic to the existential, the fact of its occurrence offers the U.S. immense strategic opportunity. Section 1, operating on this assumption, recommends capability-based requirements for deep space operations given a projected future operating environment.The second driving assumption underpinning this study is that improved movement and maneuver capabilities in deep space offer a wide array of benefits for the current National Security Enterprise, and for this reason alone demands attention in the form of disciplined investment. Furthermore, because the core functional capability required for deep space operations is in-space propulsion, the requirement necessitates a materiel solution.

A Constrained Space Exploration Technology Program

A Constrained Space Exploration Technology Program PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309178126
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 154

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Book Description
In January 2004, President George W. Bush announced the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE), which instructed NASA to "Extend human presence across the solar system, starting with a human return to the Moon by the year 2020, in preparation for human exploration of Mars and other destinations," among other objectives. As acknowledged in the VSE, significant technology development will be necessary to accomplish the goals it articulates. NASA's Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) is designed to support, develop, and ultimately provide the necessary technologies to meet the goals of the VSE. This book, a review of the ETDP, is broadly supportive of the intent and goals of the VSE, and finds the ETDP is making progress towards the stated goals of technology development. However, the ETDP is operating within significant constraints which limit its ability to successfully accomplish those goals-the still dynamic nature of the Constellation Program requirements, the constraints imposed by a limited budget, the aggressive time scale of early technology deliverables, and the desire to fully employ the NASA workforce.

Propulsion Systems for Space Applications

Propulsion Systems for Space Applications PDF Author: Goteti Satyanarayana
Publisher: BSP Books
ISBN: 9390211921
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 608

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Book Description
About the Book: "Propulsion Systems for Space Applications" offers a comprehensive exploration of the principles, technologies, and practicality behind propulsion for rocket launching and spacecraft travel. From the fundamentals of rocket science to the intricacies of orbital mechanics and spacecraft manoeuvring, this book provides a holistic understanding of propulsion systems. The book delves into the traditional rocket propulsion systems, including solid, liquid, and hybrid engines, while also delving into the realm of cutting-edge technologies like electric propulsion. By presenting numerous examples and case studies, readers gain insight into the real-world applications of space propulsion and its profound impact on space exploration and research. Geared towards students and researchers in aerospace and mechanical engineering, "Propulsion Systems for Space Applications" promises to equip readers with a thorough understanding of propulsion principles and their significance in space travel. With its comprehensive approach and practical examples, this book serves as an invaluable resource for those embarking on the fascinating journey of space propulsion. Contents: 1. Introduction to Space Propulsion 2. Basic Orbital Mechanics 3. Rocket Principle and Performance Parameters 4. Rocket Nozzles 5. Rocket Propellants 6. Solid Propellant Motors 7. Liquid Rocket Engines 8. Hybrid Rocket Engines 9. Thrust Chamber Cooling 10. Combustion instabilities 11. Spacecraft Orbital Maneuvers 12. Interplanetary Trajectories 13. Chemical Thrusters for SpaceCraft Manoeuvres 14. Electric Propulsion Systems About the Author: Goteti Satyanarayana obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. He started his career as scientist in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Thiruvananthapuram. He worked in both Propellant and Propulsion Divisions of VSSC and was involved in the design of liquid rocket engines. Later, he shifted to multinational companies to serve and hold different positions. His work experience includes design of thermal equipments like heat exchangers, metal joining and renewable energy. As a professor of Mechanical Engineering, he taught aerospace and thermal engineering subjects to graduate and postgraduate students.

Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors

Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309379210
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 205

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Book Description
The continued presence of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in civilian installations such as research reactors poses a threat to national and international security. Minimization, and ultimately elimination, of HEU in civilian research reactors worldwide has been a goal of U.S. policy and programs since 1978. Today, 74 civilian research reactors around the world, including 8 in the United States, use or are planning to use HEU fuel. Since the last National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report on this topic in 2009, 28 reactors have been either shut down or converted from HEU to low enriched uranium fuel. Despite this progress, the large number of remaining HEU-fueled reactors demonstrates that an HEU minimization program continues to be needed on a worldwide scale. Reducing the Use of Highly Enriched Uranium in Civilian Research Reactors assesses the status of and progress toward eliminating the worldwide use of HEU fuel in civilian research and test reactors.

Fundamentals of Rocket Propulsion

Fundamentals of Rocket Propulsion PDF Author: DP Mishra
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1351708414
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description
The book follows a unified approach to present the basic principles of rocket propulsion in concise and lucid form. This textbook comprises of ten chapters ranging from brief introduction and elements of rocket propulsion, aerothermodynamics to solid, liquid and hybrid propellant rocket engines with chapter on electrical propulsion. Worked out examples are also provided at the end of chapter for understanding uncertainty analysis. This book is designed and developed as an introductory text on the fundamental aspects of rocket propulsion for both undergraduate and graduate students. It is also aimed towards practicing engineers in the field of space engineering. This comprehensive guide also provides adequate problems for audience to understand intricate aspects of rocket propulsion enabling them to design and develop rocket engines for peaceful purposes.