Title :
The past as prologue: a look at historical flight qualifications for space nuclear systems
Author :
Bennett, Gary L.
Author_Institution :
NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Abstract :
The author examines what it means to flight qualify a space nuclear system. He reviews several qualification programs, including the general-purpose heat source radioisotope thermoelectric generators (GPHS-RTGs) as developed for the Galilee and Ulysses missions, the SNAP-10A space reactor, the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications (NERVA), the F-1 chemical engine used on the Saturn-V, and the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs). Similarities and contrasts are noted.<>
Keywords :
aerospace engines; aerospace propulsion; fission reactors; rockets; F-1 chemical engine; Galilee; Nuclear Engine; Rocket Vehicle Applications; SNAP-10A space reactor; Saturn-V; Space Shuttle Main Engines; Ulysses missions; aerospace engine; aerospace propulsion; flight qualifications; heat source radioisotope thermoelectric generators; space nuclear systems; Heat engines; Inductors; Nuclear power generation; Qualifications; Radioactive materials; Rockets; Space heating; Space missions; Space shuttles; Thermoelectricity;
Journal_Title :
Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, IEEE
