@inproceedings{0af6ebd3c8ad42bc85b72183e6f6a03a,
title = "Design of a low specific mass 10 kWe nuclear reactor for space propulsion",
abstract = "With an increasing demand for long-duration and energy intensive missions in space, alternatives to radioisotope power systems are being explored. Nuclear fission reactors can provide sufficient power while maintaining a low specific mass comparable to radioisotope power systems. One of the projects focused on designing a small scale nuclear reactor with a low specific mass for use on a fourteen year unmanned mission. The results show a craft can be made that requires no internal pumps or electrical input to run the power conversion system. The power conversion system selected consisted of free-piston Stirling engines. The core design is based upon a heat pipe thermal transport system using a U10Mo Core, while a liquid bath controls thermal conditions around the power conversion systems. The radiators are also designed with carbon composite materials. Results of this paper show a reduction in specific mass of the system.",
keywords = "Heat pipe, Nuclear reactor design, RTG, Space propulsion, Space radiator design, Stirling engine",
author = "Nic Hoifeldt and Regal Ferrulli and Laura Sudderth and Wesley Deason and Mahima Gupta and Jarred Reneau and Howe, \{Steven D.\}",
year = "2011",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781617828461",
series = "Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space 2011, NETS-2011",
pages = "484--492",
booktitle = "Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space 2011, NETS-2011",
note = "Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space 2011, NETS-2011 ; Conference date: 07-02-2011 Through 10-02-2011",
}