Safety Methodology for Space Nuclear Systems.

Abstract

Radioisotopic Thermoelectric/Thermodynamic Generator (RTG) systems are frequently used to power Department of Defense (DOD) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellites. The launch of RTGs dictates that the user agency assure the Interagency Nuclear Safety Review Panel that risks to the populace are minimal and exposures below acceptable levels for any logically conceivable accident scenario and environment. Each agency (Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA), NASA, and the DOD) participating on the panel performs an independent safety evaluation of the system under review and recommends action for the RTG Contractor's Safety Analysis Report. Typical techniques and results are discussed. Particular attention is paid to the analyses and test results for the Multihundred Watt RTG used in the Lincoln Experimental Satellites 8 and 9 (LES 8/9). Specific details of the nuclear safety analysis of the LES 8/9 mission are set forth. Other analysis methods used and future methodology development goals are also discussed. (Author)

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA048780

Entities

People

  • Dermod Kelleher
  • E. W. Holtzscheiter
  • G. W. Mitchell
  • J. A. Sholtis
  • Michael L. Crawford

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Combustion
  • Computer Programs
  • Department Of Defense
  • Energy Systems
  • Environment
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Generators
  • Propellants
  • Risk
  • Safety Analysis
  • Security
  • Solid Propellants
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Space