A major objection to the use of nuclear energy for space applications is the perceived risk involved in the launching of a fully fueled nuclear reactor. Even when it is pointed out that the fuel is in fact not radioactive, concerns persist. It is acknowledged that to design a reactor able to withstand all conceivable launch accidents would result in an impractical heavy design. To avoid the above problem and to put to rest any concerns, it is proposed that the reactor be launched without fuel or partially fueled to avoid any possibility of the reactor attaining criticality in the event of a launch accident. This SBIR proposal describes an innovative approach to permit the reactor to be fueled in space in a simple operation.
Potential Commercial Applications:It is acknowledged that full commercialization of space will require major sources of energy in a compact form. The only currently feasible energy source for the foreseeable future is nuclear. The use of nuclear energy has been repearably frustrated by the concerns described above. Whether or not those concerns are viewed as realistic, in the current climate it is unlikely that nuclear energy will get off the ground unless these concerns are satisfactorily addressed. The approach described in this SBIR effectively puts these concerns at rest.
