NASA's thermionic technology program

Abstract

Since the termination of the NASA-AEC in-core thermionic power program in 1973, NASA has maintained a modest thermionic technology program. The current program emphasis on out-of-core thermionics allows greater flexibility in materials and geometrics previously prohibited by reactor nucleonics. This out-of-core approach has allowed NASA's program to make significant technology contributions since 1973. This program currently aims at four areas: (1) thermionic power systems analysis; (2) converters; (3) insulators; and (4) heat pipes. Objectives, requirements, status and plans are presented for each area.