Located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, adjacent to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the CSNR will be a focus for engaging university scientists in research and development of advanced space nuclear systems, including space power and propulsion systems and radioisotope power generators, at the INL and will create opportunities for the INL (and laboratory staff) to join with aerospace universities and members of the aerospace industry in projects and initiatives to advance nuclear technologies for space exploration and other space applications. Read the full story.
A growing mission with high visibility
Because of to its ability to provide both heat and electricity for long periods, nuclear power is the energy of choice for many space missions. INL's role in space exploration is increasing as DOE moves to consolidate the manufacture and assembly of space power systems into a single location. (NASA photos and illustrations)
INL's mission in space power systems is forecast to grow considerably over the coming decade. That was the outlook provided by Harold McFarlane, INL director of Space Nuclear Systems and Technology, to 60 members and guests of the Idaho Section, American Nuclear Society at the IANS May 19 meeting.
From $18 million in 2005, space power systems work here could grow to $70 million by 2015, McFarlane noted.
"As space missions go farther from the sun, as the duration of the mission increases, and as power needs escalate, nuclear power becomes the only viable option," McFarlane said.
"Also, manned missions require significantly more power than unmanned missions do. As we move toward becoming a single source for radioisotope thermal generators used in these missions, NASA's plans for future missions are a cause for optimism at INL."
INL President and Laboratory Director John Grossenbacher is equally optimistic.
"INL's production of space power systems will support both space and national security missions," he said. "Our vision is a seamless integration of RTG production with leading-edge science spearheaded by the Center for Space Nuclear Research. Collaboration of this kind greatly extends our reputation and capabilities."
INL's mission in space power systems is forecast to grow considerably over the coming decade.
INL already has two key pieces of the infrastructure needed to produce space power systems. The Advanced Test Reactor can irradiate neptunium targets to generate the needed plutonium. And the recently completed Space and Security Power Systems Facility (SSPSF) at MFC is where assembly of the space power systems takes place.
What's yet to come is a new facility, also slated for MFC, that would fabricate neptunium targets for ATR irradiation, then process the irradiated targets.
It would also fabricate the plutonium heat sources. Final assembly of the power systems would then take place at the SSPSF.
"INL's production of space power systems will support both space and national security missions," he said. "Our vision is a seamless integration of RTG production with leading-edge science spearheaded by the Center for Space Nuclear Research. Collaboration of this kind greatly extends our reputation and capabilities."
INL already has two key pieces of the infrastructure needed to produce space power systems. The Advanced Test Reactor can irradiate neptunium targets to generate the needed plutonium. And the recently completed Space and Security Power Systems Facility (SSPSF) at MFC is where assembly of the space power systems takes place.
What's yet to come is a new facility, also slated for MFC, that would fabricate neptunium targets for ATR irradiation, then process the irradiated targets.
It would also fabricate the plutonium heat sources. Final assembly of the power systems would then take place at the SSPSF.
- Space Nuclear Conference at American Nuclear Society annual meeting in June 2005
- Center for Space Nuclear Research
- NASA's Pluto Kuiper Belt mission
- NASA Mars missions
- DOE Space Nuclear Program
- DOE EIS to consolidate space nuclear programs
- General inquiries:
- Nuclear Communications