ABSTRACT |
A preliminary hazards analysis of a nuclear reactor power system for surface power generation on the moon and Mars as part of the Space Exploration Initiative has been performed. The rigor and scope of the analysis was consistent with the conceptual state of the 1988 System Design Review SP-100 Reference Flight System design for the potential applications and the current detail of the mission descriptions. The objective of the study was to identify potential hazards arising from nuclear reactor systems for use on the lunar and martian surfaces, related safety issues, and resolutions of such issues by system design changes, operating procedures, and other means. All safety aspects of nuclear reactor systems from prelaunch ground handling to eventual disposal were examined consistent with the level of detail for SP-100 reactor design, launch vehicle and space transport vehicle designs, and mission descriptions. The analysis of missions to the moon and Mars has been conducted by concentrating on events not previously covered in past aerospace nuclear safety studies. Information from those previous aerospace nuclear safety studies was used where appropriate.
|