Utilizing a Russian Space Nuclear Reactor for a United States Space Mission: Flight Qualification Issues

Abstract

Space nuclear power and nuclear electric propulsion are considered important technologies for planetary exploration, as well as selected earth orbit applications. The Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Program (NEPSTP) could provide an early flight demonstration of these technologies at relatively low cost through extensive use of existing Russian technology. The key element of Russian technology employed in the program is the Topaz II reactor. This space nuclear power system was built and flight qualified, though never tested in space, by the former Soviet Union.The NEPSTP is faced with many unique flight qualification issues. In general, the launch of a spacecraft employing a nuclear reactor power system will complicate many spacecraft qualification activities. However, the NEPSTP activities are further complicated because the reactor power system is a Russian design. Therefore, this program must deal not only with the unique flight qualification issues associated with space nuclear power, but also ...