NASA NTRS · 20130003317
Nuclear Propulsion for Space Applications
Abstract
Basics of Nuclear Systems: Long history of use on Apollo and space science missions. 44 RTGs and hundreds of RHUs launched by U.S. during past 4 decades. Heat produced from natural alpha (a) particle decay of Plutonium (Pu-238). Used for both thermal management and electricity production. Used terrestrially for over 65 years. Fissioning 1 kg of uranium yields as much energy as burning 2,700,000 kg of coal. One US space reactor (SNAP-10A) flown (1965). Former U.S.S.R. flew 33 space reactors. Heat produced from neutron-induced splitting of a nucleus (e.g. U-235). At steady-state, 1 of the 2 to 3 neutrons released in the reaction causes a subsequent fission in a "chain reaction" process. Heat converted to electricity, or used directly to heat a propellant. Fission is highly versatile with many applications.
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Houts, M. G., Bechtel, R. D., Borowski, S. K., George, J. A., Kim, T., Emrich, W. J., Hickman, R. R., Broadway, J. W., Gerrish, H. P., Adams, R. B.. 2013-01-01. Nuclear Propulsion for Space Applications. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20130003317
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