Also, notice that there is NO indication that there is, after at least two years of strong protests around the world against this very sort of thing, any concern about the public health risks to the six billion people here on Earth. There is NOT ONE SEMINAR on the health risks of anything they want to do! Meanwhile, these space cadets dream of leaving society for good -- and I say, good riddance to them!
Sincerely, Russell D. Hoffman, Editor, Stop Cassini newsletter
Today's subject:
- From the mailbag: 16th SYMPOSIUM ON SPACE NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION
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From the mailbag: 16th SYMPOSIUM ON SPACE NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION
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FORWARDED EMAIL FROM GN
16th SYMPOSIUM ON SPACE NUCLEAR POWER AND PROPULSION
January 31 February 4, 1999
Albuquerque Hyatt Regency Hotel
MICHAEL G. HOUTS, Program Chair
Los Alamos National Laboratory, P. O. Box 1663, MS:
K551, Los Alamos, NM 87544, 505-665-4336, Fax:
665-3167, houts@lanl.gov
WILLIAM J. EMRICH, Program Co-Chair
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center,
MS: PS05,
Huntsville, AL 35758, 205-544-7504,
Fax: 544-6669,
bill.emrich@msfc.nasa.gov
Nuclear energy is required for the large-scale exploration and development
of space. There are several types of nuclear systems, including
radioisotope, fission, fusion, antimatter, and others. Ongoing research
programs range from those focused on near-term systems to those focused on
futuristic, high risk, high payoff systems. The theme of the 1999 Symposium
is "Enabling Future Missions." Future missions enabled by nuclear
technology include Mars exploration, planetary probes, deep space probes,
satellite rescue and repair, and others.
E1. REDUCING THE COST OF MARS EXPLORATION
STAN BOROWSKI, Chair
NASA Lewis Research Center, 21000
Brookpark Road, MS: 500-201, Cleveland,
OH 44135, 216-977-7091, Fax: 977-7125,
stanley.k.borowski@lerc.nasa.gov
DENNIS PELACCIO, Co-Chair
Pioneer Astronautics, 445 Union Blvd.,
Suite 125, Lakewood, CO 80228,
303-980-0231, Fax: 980-0753,
strcspace@aol.com
Papers are requested on advanced space transportation/propulsion concepts that offer the potential for significantly reducing the cost of future human exploration missions to the Moon and Mars. The submitter is expected to present sufficient analysis to show concept superiority over a baseline system and to provide rough order to magnitude development costs to support their claim of reduced cost. High performance propulsion systems offering the promise of high specific impulse, power, and engine thrust-to-weight ratio and using nuclear energy (e.g., nuclear fission thermal, electric or hybrid concepts for near term application; gas core, fusion, and antimatter for far term missions) are of particular interest although innovative non-nuclear concepts (e.g., chemical, solar and beamed energy) are also invited. Concepts that reduce the number of technology development efforts, provide "common" hardware for Moon/Mars mission applications and that can utilize "in-situ" resources where and when available are very much encouraged. Also of interest are papers that explore the prospects for commercial space ventures supporting human exploration missions or evolving from them.
E2. ENERGY CONVERSION: TERRESTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY
DMITRY V. PARAMONOV, Chair
Westinghouse Electric Company, 1310 Beulah Road,
Pittsburgh, PA 15235, 412-256-1656, Fax: 256-2444
paramodv@westinghouse.com
GARY O. FITZPATRICK, Co-Chair
Space Power, Inc., 621 River Oaks
Parkway, San Jose, CA 95134-1907,
408-434-9500, Fax: 434-9891
g_fitz@sprynet.com (there’s an
underscore after the "g" in his email
address)
Papers are sought on utilization of direct and novel dynamic energy conversion technologies for terrestrial civilian and military power generation, co-generation and waste heat recovery. Examples of the technologies of interest are thermoelectrics, thermionics, alkali metal thermal to electric conversion, fuel cells, thermophotovoltaics, Stirling engines and magnetohydrodynamics. Design, analysis, manufacturing techniques, experimental evaluation and applications of such energy conversion devices and systems are of interest. Specific topics could include, but not limited to, the conversion technologies combined with nuclear, solar, thermal or chemical energy sources as well as tapping into new sources of energy.
E3. ENERGY CONVERSION: THERMOELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS
THIERRY CAILLAT, Chair
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak
Grove Drive, MS: 277-212, Pasadena, CA
91109, 818-354-0407, Fax: 393-6951,
thierry.caillat@jpl.nasa.gov
Papers are solicited on results and plans on the performance, design, technical issues, and advances in thermoelectric energy conversion for commercial, terrestrial, and space applications. Specific topics include, but are not limited to, new thermoelectric materials and devices, thermoelectric power generation with either nuclear or non-nuclear sources, waste heat recovery, commercial power generation, cooling applications, etc.
E4. ENERGY CONVERSION: CASCADED SYSTEMS
CLAY MAYBERRY, Chair
Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/VSDV, 3550 Aberdeen
Avenue, SE, Kirtland Air Force Base, NM 87117 505-846-0499, Fax:
846-2885, mayberry@plk.af.mil
MOHAMED S. EL-GENK, Co-Chair
Institute for Space &
Nuclear Power Studies
University of New Mexico,
Chemical/Nuclear
Engr. Albuquerque, NM
87131, 505-277-5442,
Fax: 277-2814, mgenk@unm.edu
Papers regarding space compatible thermal to electric converters utilizing cascaded devices are sought. Of particular interest are papers reporting the results of device and system modeling and experimental results. Issues regarding material compatibility, high temperature operation, lifetime, cycling, performance (W/kg, power ranges, temperature ranges, efficiency, scalability, maximum efficiency, efficiency at maximum power) are of interest.
E5. ENERGY CONVERSION: MODELING AND ANALYSIS
JEAN-MICHEL TOURNIER, Chair
Institute for Space & Nuclear Power Studies, University
of New Mexico, Chemical/Nuclear Engr. Dept
Albuquerque NM 87131, 505-277-7961, Fax: 277-2814,
tournier@unm.edu
AL SCHOCK, Co-Chair
Orbital Sciences Corporation 20301
Century
Blvd., A-35, Germantown, MD 20874,
301-428-6272, Fax: 353-8619,
or@orbital.fsd.com
Papers are invited which develop / describe numerical models of static energy converters for space or terrestrial applications, such as thermoelectrics (TE), thermionic (TI), or alkali-metal thermal-to-electric (AMTEC) converters. Specific topics could include (but are not limited to) the description of the physical models and numerical solution algorithm. The paper should address physical and/or numerical challenges associated with modeling the converter performance. It is strongly recommended that the model results should be benchmarked with available experimental data or using the results of other qualified models. It would be also appropriate for the authors to present parametric analyses, which investigate the effects of important parameters on the converter performance.
E6. THERMIONIC TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS
LES BEGG, Chair
General Atomics, P. O. Box 85608, San Diego, CA
92138-5608, 619-455-2482, Fax: 455-2990,
les.begg@gat.com
YURI NIKOLAEV, Co-Chair
Research Institute of SIA LUCH,
Zheleanodoronoya 24, 142100 Moscow
Region, Podolsk, Russia, Fax;
7095-901-3457, luch@adis.msk.su
Papers are invited which describe advancements in the area of thermionic energy conversion. Examples of areas included are thermionic technology development, improvements in performance, new materials of construction, thermionic operating modes, innovative thermionic device and component designs. Also invited are papers describing system-level designs and space applications that use either nuclear or solar thermal sources for thermionic power systems.
E7. ENERGY CONVERSION: AMTEC TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS
Advanced Modular Power Systems, 4667 Freedom Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, 313-677-4260, Fax: 677-0704 rsievers@ampsys.com Papers are requested on AMTEC cell technology and space power applications. The cell technology papers should address cell design, modeling, development and/or manufacturing, including design or development that leads to important cell technology innovations. Space power application papers should address system design and performance predictions, system manufacturing and the requirements of specific space power applications.
E8. AMTEC ELECTRODES PERFORMANCE AND LIFETIME ISSUES
AMY RYAN, Chair (Invited)
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove
Drive, MS: 303-308, Pasadena, CA 91109,
818-354-8028, Fax: 393-4272,
mryan@jpl.nasa.gov
JOHN MERRILL, Co-Chair
Nichols Research Corporation 2201
Buena
Vista Dr., Suite 203, Albuquerque, NM
87123, 505-846-9632, Fax: 846-5358,
merrijm@rt66.com
Papers are sought in the area of electrode theoretical and practical
development including: electrode performance and performance enhancements,
lifetime prediction and factors affecting lifetime, and contamination
effects on lifetime and performance.
E9. AFFORDABLE SPACE FISSION POWER AND PROPULSION
DAVID I. POSTON, Chair
Los Alamos National Laboratory, P. O. Box 1663;
MS-K551, Los Alamos, NM 87545, 505-667-4336,
Fax: 665-3167, poston@lanl.gov
Papers are invited which address technologies and approaches for reducing the cost of space fission power and propulsion systems, and reducing the cost of utilizing these systems. Papers on any topic related to making the use of space fission power and propulsion more affordable are encouraged. Potential topics include reducing the cost of systems design, development, and fabrication; reducing the cost of flight qualification; and reducing the cost of the launch approval process. Papers discussing space fission power and/or propulsion concepts that are designed to be inherently inexpensive to develop, fabricate, and fly are also encouraged.
E10. THERMAL PROPULSION
SAMIM ANGHAIE, Chair
University of Florida, 202 NSC, Gainesville, FL 32611
352-392-8653, Fax: 392-8656, anghaie@ufl.edu
STEVE RICHARDS, Co-Chair
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, MS:
RA50, Huntsville, AL 35812,
205-544-7053,
Fax: 544-7378,
steve.richards@msfc.nasa.gov
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion systems offering the promise of high specific impulse and high engine thrust-to-weight ratio. The session will include the conceptual design studies as well as in depth analysis of nuclear, thermal-fluid and fuel design aspects of these systems. Topics of interest include high temperature reactor systems using solid, liquid or gaseous nuclear fuels for both near and far term exploration missions and space transportation. This session will also include nuclear rocket engine concepts, which can be used for both power generation and propulsion.
E11. ADVANCED RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEMS
LISA HERRERA, Chair
U.S. Department of Energy, NE-53, 19901 Germantown Road,
Germantown, MD 20874, 301-903-8218, Fax: 903-7064,
lisa.herrera@hq.doe.gov
RICHARD HEMLER, Co-Chair
Lockheed Martin Astronautics,
Building 100, P. O. Box 8555,
Philadelphia PA 19101
610-354-3045,
Fax: 354-4284
richard.j.hemler@lmco.com
Papers are invited that address the design, development, testing and space applications of Advanced Radioisotope Power Sources (ARPS) that meet the needs of NASA’s small, low-cost, low-power (milliwatt to 150 watt), long-life spacecraft. NASA is identifying scientific information that is desired about the solar system and beyond and using multiple small low-cost spacecraft with small multifunctional instruments to obtain scientific data. These smaller spacecraft require less power, have low launch mass and thus require low power, low mass radioisotope power sources to supply power for spacecraft instruments. Papers describing component and converter analyses and testing; radioisotope power source designs, hardware development and testing; and spacecraft integration of highly efficient, low-power (multiwatt to 150 watt) radioisotope power systems are encouraged.
E12. NUCLEAR SURFACE POWER SYSTEMS
JACK WHEELER, Chair
U. S. Department of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, NE-50,
Germantown, MD 20874, 301-903-2078, Fax: 903-7020,
jack.wheeler@hq.doe.gov
BOB CATALDO, Co-Chair
NASA Lewis Research
Center, Mail Stop:
500-201, 21000 Brookpark
Road, Cleveland, OHIO
44135 216-977-7082, Fax: 977-7125,
bcataldo@lerc.nasa.gov
Papers are requested on system design concepts and analyses of nuclear surface power systems capable of meeting larger power needs on planetary bodies to support advances in space exploration. Concepts may include dynamic isotope power systems or reactor units designed to supply power on the moon or Mars for scientific experiments, rover operation, in situ propellant and materials processing, life support, and other surface power needs. Papers on systems, subsystems or components of such systems will also be accepted. Innovative concepts or features for addressing compactness, reliability, longevity, deployment, shielding, mobility, and affordability aspects are particularly sought.
E13. FUELS
SAM BHATTACHARYYA, Chair
Argonne National Laboratory, Engineering Physics Division 9700
South Cass Avenue, MS: B207, Argonne, IL 60439 708-252-3293, Fax:
252-4007, bhatt@anl.gov
KEN CHIDESTER, Co-Chair
Los Alamos National
Laboratory, P. O. Box 1663; MS:
E502, Los Alamos, NM 87545, 505-667-2358,
Fax: 665-4775, kchidester@lanl.gov
This session will address the broad range of issues on fabrication, performance data irradiation behavior and operational considerations of fuels and advanced materials that have potential applications in Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems. Papers are solicited in all of the above and related areas, as well as concepts of advanced fuels and materials and detailed plans for their development.
E14. RADIOISOTOPE POWER SYSTEM PRODUCTION
ART MEHNER, Chair
U. S. Department of Energy, 19901 Germantown Road, NE-50
Germantown, MD 20874, 301-903-4474, Fax: 903-7064,
arthur.mehner@hq.doe.gov
ROBERT CARPENTER, Co-Chair
Orbital Sciences
Corporation, 20301 Century
Blvd., Germantown, MD
20874, 301-428-6460,
Fax: 301-353-8619
or@oscsystems.com
Papers are invited on the processes and facilities used in the production of radioisotope power systems including heater unit production. Examples of the topics of interest are plutonium-238 production and processing; heat source production and qualification; converter fabrication; and power system assembly testing and shipping; and the facilities used in the production rocesses.
E15. RADIOISOTOPE HEATER UNIT APPLICATIONS
RICHARD FURLONG, Chair
U. S. Department of Energy, 19901 Germantown Rd., Germantown,
MD 20874, 301-903-6487, Fax: 903-5057,
richard.furlong@hq.doe.gov
Papers are invited that describe techniques that utilize radioisotope heater units (RHUs) for thermal to electric energy conversion and for thermal control of spacecraft components and equipment. Potential topics include future applications of RHUs for thermal to electric energy conversion devices in the milliwatt power range and use of RHUs for thermal control of critical spacecraft subsystems such as thruster clusters and sensitive electronic components, e.g., the electronics on the Mars Pathfinder Sojourner Rover.
E16. ADVANCED CONCEPTS
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, MS: PS02, Huntsville, AL 35802, 205-544-7076, Fax: 544-6669, jonathan.campbell@msfc.nasa.govPapers are solicited that examine advanced propulsion concepts for both near and far term exploration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. High performance propulsion systems offering the promise of high specific impulse, power and engine thrust-to-weight ratio and using nuclear energy (e.g., fission, fusion, antimatter or hybrid combinations) are of particular interest although non-nuclear concepts (e.g., solar and beamed energy) are also invited. Topics of interest include the physics of these concepts, their key technologies, mission performance and vehicle design studies. Also of interest are papers dealing with the potential for commercial space activities enabled by these advanced propulsion systems.
E17. POWER BEAMING
GEORGE H. MILEY, Chair
University of Illinois, Fusion Studies
Laboratory, 103 South Goodwin, 105 Nuclear
Engr. Lab, Urbana, IL 61801 217-333-3772,
Fax: 333-2906, g-miley@uiuc.edu
DAVE CRISWELL, Co-Chair
University of Houston, Building SR1,
Suite 504, Houston, TX 77204-5505,
713-743-9135, Fax: 743-9134,
dcriswell@aol.com
The transport of power in space is a fundamental aspect of future exploration and utilization of space resources. This includes beaming power from earth to satellites or space craft, beaming power from space platforms back to earth, or to other space locations, and beaming to or from stations on the lunar surface. Papers are invited which cover system studies of such operations as well as studies of individual components such as the power source, beam characteristics and control, and energy receivers/converters. Also, papers on strategies for development of this field from prototype to full application are encouraged. Papers ranging from conceptual studies to detailed experimental/theoretical research will be considered.
E18. MISSIONS
GEORGE SCHMIDT, Chair
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, MS:
EP61, Huntsville, AL 35812, 208-544-6055,
Fax: 544-7400 george.schmidt@msfc.nasa.gov
Papers are sought for missions employing nuclear power and/or propulsion technologies. Mission areas fall into two general categories: kCommercial and Government. Commercial mission area papers should describe the mission addressed and how nuclear power and/or propulsion contributes to: 1. Mission accomplishment at lower cost; 2. Mission enablement (i.e., mission could not be accomplished otherwise); or 3. Mission accomplishment at lower risk and/or greater reliability. Government missions should use nuclear power and/or propulsion and show how employment of these technologies can enable the mission, reduce mission cost and/or risk, remove major programmatic, management or cost barriers to missions being performed in absence of nuclear technologies. Innovative concepts such as dual-use or joint venture lunar, planetary, or space exploration missions cooperatively funded by government and industry employing nuclear technologies are considered important. Papers are also sought regarding regulatory and licensing issues with commercial use of space nuclear systems in earth orbit or otherwise.
E19. LAUNCH SITE CONSIDERATIONS
JONATHAN STABB, Chair
NASA Kennedy Space Center, MC: BC-B, Kennedy Space
Center, FL 32899, 407-867-4163, Fax: 867-7644,
jonathan.stabb-1@pp.ksc.nasa.gov
Papers are invited which address a broad spectrum of launch site considerations for the processing of nuclear systems and their integration onto launch vehicles/payloads. Specific focus should be given to how launch site planning and operations can better enable scheduled and future missions. Launch site considerations include, but are not limited to, integration of nuclear systems with payloads/spacecraft, testing and nuclear system verification, public affairs/perceptions, facility requirements, differences between processing fission systems and radioisotope systems, and regulatory issues.
E20. SAFETY AND LAUNCH APPROVAL PROCESS
LYLE L. RUTGER, Chair
U.S. Department of Energy, GTN A-247, Germantown, MD
20874 301-903-6470, Fax: 903-5057,
lyle.rutger@hq.doe.gov
JOSEPH A. SHOLTIS, JR., Co-Chair
Sholtis Engineering & Safety
Consulting, 2
Oso Drive, Suite 200, Tijeras, NM
87059,
505-281-4358, Fax: 281-4358,
sholtis@aol.com
Papers are solicited that address safety and launch approval considerations for space missions involving nuclear power, thermal control, or propulsion systems. Topics include safety analysis and testing, safety policy and requirements, public perception of nuclear risk, and the launch approval process. Papers on lessons learned and recommendations for improving the safety analysis process and communications of risk are especially encouraged.
E21. COMPOSITES AND STRUCTURES
MARC V. BERTE, Chair
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 54 Pearl St. #1,
Cambridge, MA 02139, 617-492-6055, mvberte@mit.edu
Due to its roots in terrestrial systems, Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion has never fully seen the benefits of advanced aerospace materials. Recently, these materials have been applied to SNP&P systems. Papers should involve advanced materials (composites, ceramics, and new alloys) that are applied to elements of SNP&P systems. Examples include: Ceramic composites for radiators, lightweight shield materials, radiation tolerant composite structures.
E22. MATERIALS FOR SPACE SYSTEMS
DAN KRAMER, Chair
Babcock & Wilcox of Ohio, P. O. Box 3030,
Miamisburg, OH 45343-3030, 937-865-3558, Fax:
865-3485, kramdp@doe-md.gov
The application of numerous advanced space technologies ultimately centers on the ability of industry/government to manufacture the necessary hardware. In many cases, due to various design parameters and mission requirements, the limiting factor in the application of these advanced technologies is directly materials dependent. This session will focus on recent materials issues, which have directly impacted the reliability, design, and application of advanced space systems. Proposed session topics may include, but are not limited to, material testing and characterization, materials interactions in adverse environments, structure-property relationships, novel composite structures, advanced processing techniques, and other challenges for the materials community.
E23. FUSION
TERRY KAMMASH, Chair
University of Michigan, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological
Sciences Department, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 313-764-0205, Fax:
763-4540, tkammash@engin.umich.edu
BILL EMRICH, Co-Chair
NASA Marshall Space Flight
Center, Bldg. 4200, Room 402, Mail
Stop: PS05, Huntsville, AL 35812,
205-544-7504, Fax: 544-6669
bill.emrich@msfc.nasa.gov
Papers are solicited on systems utilizing energy from fusion reactions for potential applications in space. These can include systems for the production of power, propulsion concepts, and bimodal devices. Novel concepts related to the power source, energy conversion, or thruster units for such systems are also of interest. The use of innovative approaches such as annihilation in the catalysis of fusion reactions in these devices is also of interest, and papers addressing these issues are indeed encouraged. Papers should include a quantitative evaluation of the concepts with an assessment of their space capabilities for the missions they are intended for.
E24. COMMERCIAL ISSUES WITH THE USE OF SPACE NUCLEAR POWER
ROGER X. LENARD, Chair
Sandia National Laboratories, MS: 1146, P. O. Box 5800,
Albuquerque, NM 87185-1146, 505-845-3143, Fax:
284-3651, rxlenar@sandia.gov
This session addresses specialized topics in commercial uses of space nuclear systems. Topics for investigation include, but are not limited to, safety and operational techniques for complying with national and international policies and requirements; obtaining launch approval and authority for on-orbit operations of commercial space nuclear systems; commercially viable missions and the performance, safety and operational requirements for these missions, and adjunct missions cooperatively developed between government and industry.
END OF FORWARDED EMAIL FROM GN
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AND IN CONCLUSION...
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