Abstract
Photofission enables a unique capability for the domain of non-chemical space propulsion. An ultra-intense laser enables the capacity to induce nuclear fission through the development of bre- msstrahlung photons. A fundamental architecture and performance analysis of a photofission pulsed space propulsion system through the operation of an ultra-intense laser is presented. A historical perspective of previous conceptual nuclear fission propulsion systems is addressed. These applications use neutron derived nuclear fission; however, there is inherent complexity that has precluded further development. The background of photofission is detailed. The conceptual architecture of photofission pulsed space propulsion and fundamental performance parameters are established. The implications are the energy source and ultra-intense laser can be situated far remote from the propulsion system. Advances in supporting laser technologies are anticipated to increase the potential for photofission pulsed space propulsion. The fundamental performance analysis of the photofission pulsed space propulsion system indicates the architecture is feasible for further evaluation.
Highlights
Non-chemical alternatives for space propulsion offer substantially reduced propellant requirements by contrast to standard chemical propulsion
In order to derive performance parameters for a pulsed space propulsion system, the energy yield for photofission of uranium-238 is approximated to the equivalence of neutron induced fission of uranium-235, which has been thoroughly characterized over course of a half century of experimental physics
Upon achieving the thermal threshold, the photofission pulsed space propulsion system becomes active for generating thrust
Summary
Non-chemical alternatives for space propulsion offer substantially reduced propellant requirements by contrast to standard chemical propulsion. LeMoyne and Mastroianni have successfully demonstrated multiple configurations for the realm of positron antimatter propulsion through the implementation of ultra-intense lasers, such as applications for pulsed space propulsion [1]-[4]. The objective of the research is to present a nuclear pulsed space propulsion system that utilizes photofission as a mechanism for imparting thermal energy upon the propulsive fluid. Nuclear fission offers another non-chemical propulsion system contingency. Nuclear fission involves the splitting of a nucleus into two separate nuclei of lesser atomic mass. The reaction is initiated by neutrons of sufficient energy to interact with the cross-section of a respective nucleus. Equation (1) illustrates the nuclear fission reaction involving uranium-235 [5] [6]. The nuclear fission reactions release a considerable amount of energy, which can be approximated by the associated mass defect of the reaction [5] [6]
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