Power systems for space exploration

Calvin Shipbaugh, Kenneth A. Solomon

Expert InsightsPublished 1992

Concepts submitted to Project Outreach for Space Exploration and Extended Habitation serve to highlight a number of important research areas, and in particular, the importance of broad-based support for research into power and propulsion technologies. Nuclear energy sources emerge as very strong candidates for both space and surface power systems. Recent interest includes NERVA-like nuclear thermal rockets, the SP-100 reactor, and Topaz II and nuclear rocket technology from the former Soviet Union. Power beaming also has long-term potential for enormous utility.

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Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1992
  • Pages: 11
  • Document Number: P-7768

Citation

Chicago Manual of Style

Shipbaugh, Calvin and Kenneth A. Solomon, Power systems for space exploration. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1992. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P7768.html.
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