A conceptual design for a 40‐kWe thermionic space nuclear power system (TI‐SNPS) known as the S‐PRIME system is being developed by Rockwell and its subcontractors for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), United States Air Force (USAF), and Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) under the TI‐SNPS Program. Phase 1 of this program includes the development of a conceptual design of a 5‐ to 40‐kWe range TI‐SNPS and validation of key technologies supporting the design. All key technologies for the S‐PRIME design have been identified along with six critical component demonstrations, which will be used to validate the S‐PREME design features. Phase 1 is scheduled for completion in September 1994 culminating in a conceptual design review. Phase 2 of the contract, which is an option, provides for the development of a system preliminary design and demonstration of technology readiness with a preliminary design review (PDR) scheduled for September 1995.

Topics
Ballistics, Nuclear energy, Educational aids, United States Department of Energy
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© 1994 American Institute of Physics.
1994
American Institute of Physics
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