2009•7th International Energy Conversion Engineering ConferenceRequires access

Development and Utilization of Space Fission Power Systems

Michael G. Houts, Lee S. Mason, Donald T. Palac, Scott Harlow

Abstract

Space fission power systems could enable advanced civilian space missions. Terrestrially, thousands of fission systems have been operated since 1942. In addition, the US flew a space fission system in 1965, and the former Soviet Union flew 33 such systems prior to the end of the Cold War. Modern design and development practices, coupled with 65 years of experience with terrestrial reactors, could enable the affordable development of space fission power systems for near-term planetary surface applications.

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Key concepts: Fission, Soviet union, Space (punctuation), Space exploration, Electric power system, Power (physics), Nuclear engineering, Environmental science