Abstract

As consideration of launching fission reactors into space moves ahead, it is important to consider the issues related to the operation of various types of space nuclear power and propulsion applications. This technical note discusses some of these factors, including possible human and equipment radiation exposures that might occur during different types of missions and the operational stages within those missions, managing the approach to and working around space reactors, maintaining reactors for long-duration operations, controlling reactors and monitoring their availability and health, evaluating possible reactor accident scenarios, planning for planetary protection due to their operation, and post operation decommissioning and disposal. It also includes a number of suggested guidelines for mission and reactor designers to consider as these important utilizations of nuclear power move forward.

摘要

随着将裂变反应堆送入太空的考虑不断推进，重要的是要考虑与各种类型的空间核动力的运行和推进应用有关的问题。本技术说明讨论了其中一些因素，包括在不同类型的任务和这些任务的运行阶段可能发生的人体和设备辐射暴露、管理空间反应堆的方法和工作、维护反应堆以进行长期运行、控制反应堆并监测其可用性和健康状况，评估可能的反应堆事故情景，规划因运行而引起的行星保护，以及运行后的退役和处置。