e3sconf_espc2017_05002.pdf (1.75 MB)
Recent Joint Studies Related to the Development of Space Radioisotope Power Systems
conference contribution
posted on 2019-06-14, 10:54 authored by DP Kramer, R Ambrosi, M Sarsfield, EJ Watkinson, R Mesalam, H Williams, C Barklay, T Tinsley, S Goodrich, T Pierson, C WhitingOver the last several years there has been a mutually beneficial ongoing technical interchange between the U.K and the U.S. related to various aspects of space radioisotope power systems (RPS). While this interchange has been primarily focused on materials based activities, it has also included some aspects related to safety, environmental, and lessons learned during the application of RPSs by the U.S. during the last fifty years. Recent joint technical RPS endeavors have centered on the development of a possible “cold” ceramic surrogate for 238PuO2 and 241AmOx and the irradiation of thermoelectrics and other materials at expected RPS related neutron fluences. As the U.S. continues to deploy and Europe develops RPS capability, on-going joint RPS technical interfaces will continue to enhance each entities’ endeavors in this nuclear based power technology critical for deep space exploration.
Funding
The University of Dayton conducted this research under U.S. Department of Energy/Office of Space & Defense Power Systems contract No. DE-NE0000422, their continuing support is greatly appreciated. The University of Leicester and the National Nuclear Laboratory also greatly appreciate the support of the European Space Agency for funding the space nuclear power technology development studies.
History
Citation
E3S Web of Conferences, 11th European Space Power Conference, 2017, 16Author affiliation
/Organisation/COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING/Department of Physics and AstronomySource
11th European Space Power Conference (ESPC), Thessaloniki, GREECEVersion
- VoR (Version of Record)