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SPACE-R: A Fully Testable Nuclear Space Power System with Advanced Core-Length Single Cell Thermionic Fuel Elements
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Abstract
The Space Power Advanced Core-Length Element Reactor (SPACE-R) System is a moderated core fueled by uranium oxide. The baseline power level is 40 kWe with a system life of 10 years. The system is launched without radioactivity and is designed to meet all U.S. and international public safety and environmental protection objectives with minimum loading of fissionable 235U and minimum proliferation potential. The key feature of the SPACER system is the core-length, single-cell thermionic fuel element (TFE). The open end of the emitter cavity permits an electrical heater to be inserted for full power operational testing of each TFE and the entire reactor assembly before the UO2 fuel is loaded. The current design is based upon technologies, materials, components, and temperatures that have been space flight proven within the U.S. SNAP reactor program, and the Soviet Topaz reactor programs.
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Authors
Citation
Rhee, H., Wetch, J., Gunther, N., Zheng, C. et al., "SPACE-R: A Fully Testable Nuclear Space Power System with Advanced Core-Length Single Cell Thermionic Fuel Elements," SAE Technical Paper 929236, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/929236.Also In
References
- Begg, L. Engdahl E. “Advanced Radiator Concept: Phase III Final Report,” Space Power, Inc. 1990
- Britt, E. Gunther N. Wetch J. Zheng C. “Effect of Varying Cell Length on the Design of 10-30 kWe Incore Thermionic Reactor Systems,” Proc. of Annual Specialists Conf. Obninsk, USSR May 15 19 1990
- Rhee, H. S. et.al. 1991 “SPACE-R Thermionic Space Nuclear Power System Design Study” Final Report (SPI-52-14) to the AF Phillips Laboratory, Contract F29601-90-C-0048
- Rhee, H. S. Gunther N. “Performance Simulation of a Single Cell Thermionic Fuel Element” Proc. of 2nd Spec. Conf. on Nuc. Power Engrg in Space Physics of Thermionic Energy Converters Sukhumi, USSR Oct. 28 31 1991
- Wetch, J. R. “Design of Survivable Small 5 to 40 kWe Space Nuclear Power Unit,” ASME Winter Annual Meeting Chicago II 1988