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International Space Station: Investing in Humanity’s Future

International Space Station: Investing in Humanity’s Future. USC. U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N. ISS Nuclear Systems Testbed Cody Vandermyn codeman9@gmail.com ASTE 527 December 15, 2009. Nuclear in Space: History. USC.

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International Space Station: Investing in Humanity’s Future

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  1. International Space Station:Investing in Humanity’s Future USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N ISS Nuclear Systems Testbed Cody Vandermyn codeman9@gmail.com ASTE 527 December 15, 2009

  2. Nuclear in Space: History USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • US Space Reactors • ROVER (1953) • KIWI, Phoebus, Peewee-1, Nuclear Furnace-1 • NERVA (1960s) • NASA created the SNPO • Developed and tested many reactors • Cut from budget in 1973 • SNAP-10A (1965) • SP-100 (1983 to 1994) • Russian Space Reactors • RORSATs (1967-1988) • TOPAZ 1 & 2 (1957-1995)

  3. Nuclear in Space: History USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) • Used for power (like batteries) • Satellites • Interplanetary Probes • Cassini, New Horizons • Apollo missions • ALSEP • Arctic sites on Earth • Mars Science Lab Rover(MSL)

  4. Nuclear in Space: Use the ISS USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Technical Tests (Phased approach) • Phase 1: RTG integration and test • Phase 2: Nuclear Reactor integration and test • Monitor crew exposure • Decommission • Nuclear reactors to power VASIMR for push to decommission orbit • Dispel Public Misconceptions • Show that nuclear is safe • National Diplomacy Tests • Keep space country-neutral • Multi-national team of engineers and scientists

  5. Nuclear in Space: Use the ISS RTGs have advantage kg per kWe up to ~100 kWe USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N Courtesy Ernest Robinson, The Aerospace Corporation, 2008

  6. Nuclear Power in Space:Phase 1 (RTGs) USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Phase 1: RTG integration and test • Place RTG clusters around station • Backup for critical systems • Run continuously • Multi-kilowatt capability • Power specific science experiments • No need for extra massive shielding • Can be installed in near future • Very well understood • Research time to assess human impact from long-term use • Research time to increase power output to kW range

  7. Nuclear Power in Space:Phase 1 (RTGs) Multi-purpose Laboratory Module (Nauka) USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo) European Lab (Columbus) US Lab (Destiny)

  8. Nuclear in Space: Phase 2 USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Place reactor(s) on ISS for electrical power • NASA has tested a reactor the size of a trash can (SAFE-400) that can provide 40kW of electrical power • Retrofit existing module or develop a new module with adequate shielding • Water encased in steel shell around reactor • Place on end of trusses to keep away from humans • Radiator Fins

  9. Nuclear Fission in Space: Crew Exposure USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Crew Shielding • Steel and Water Barrier • Nuclear Submarines with Megawatt class reactors • 2 year tours • Monitor Crew Exposure Levels • Sensors installed/worn for exposure measurements

  10. Nuclear Power in Space:Phase 1 (RTGs) USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N Radiator Fins Reactor Module

  11. Nuclear in Space: Dispel Public Misconceptions USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Public Fear • WWII Atomic Bombs • Three Mile Island • Chernobyl • Radiation Poisoning • Nuclear Rain • Public Safety • Handle nuclear waste • Cold War Heritage “Superfund Sites” • Neutron Radiation

  12. Nuclear in Space: Dispel Public Misconceptions USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Phase 1 nuclear power with RTGs • Demonstrates to public that nuclear power is safe • Phase 2 nuclear power with reactor • After public warms to nuclear power in phase 1 • Extensive public outreach and education • Publicize the use and endorsement of nuclear power in space • Offer education about the nuclear power

  13. Nuclear in Space: Policy USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • Nuclear is Goal of many Countries, big and small • Desire to build a nuclear power plant or weapons to show scientific and national prowess • DoE is accelerating 4th generation nuclear for CO2 emission free terrestrial application, China and India too • Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, 1996 • Prohibits all testing of nuclear weapons • Only 13 countries have an enrichment capability • Allow any country’s scientists to participate • Give every country a chance to “join the club” without having to build weapons or cause concern throughout the world

  14. NASA must be flagship to demo Clean, Safe Nuclear Power • The world has an energy crisis • Fossil fuels are a major contributing component in global warming phenomenon • Renewable energy cannot meet global demand • 4th generation nuclear power is safe • Fuel rod recycling reduces waste • ISS can be flagship to demonstrate use of safe and clean nuclear power by: • Phase 1 GPHS – RTG technology • Phase 2 – ISS Decommission using Fission Reactor and VASIMR to L1 parking orbit

  15. Nuclear in Space: Policy USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N • World Policy • More and more countries are showing interest in compact-sized sources of nuclear power for use in space projects. The European Union and China are particularly energetic in pursuing nuclear space technologies. Also important is the fact that there are already a number of problems in space exploration that are impossible to solve without nuclear technology. • Russia will prioritize the development of nuclear energy, especially the use of nuclear technology in spacecraft. • “The relevant design work should be completed by 2012, the actual nuclear power device should be developed by 2015, and the spacecraft should be put into service by 2018.”

  16. Nuclear in Space: ISS Decommission Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) Requires huge amounts of power Reached 200 kW power milestone in Sept. 2009 Multiple engines would require a lot of power Only nuclear reactors can provide that kind of power in space Fire VASIMR to launch ISS to a high orbit for decommission L1 point Geosynchronous USC U T I L I Z A T I O N • E V O L U T I O N • D E C O M M I S S I O N

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