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Heatpipe Power System (HPS) In-Space Fueling, A Simplified Approach

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 990448
Amount: $554,588.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2001
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
1798 Technology Dr
San Jose, CA 95110
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Frank Wiltshire
 Lead Design Engineer
 () -
 ammsj@aol.com
Business Contact
 P.J Ring
Title: Managing Director
Phone: (408) 451-3169
Email: ammsj@aol.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

A major objection to the use of nuclear energy for space applications is the perceived risk involved in the launching of a fully fueled nuclear reactor. Even when it is pointed out that the fuel is in fact not radioactive, concerns persist. It is acknowledged that to design a reactor able to withstand all conceivable launch accidents would result in an impractical heavy design. To avoid the above problem and to put to rest any concerns, it is proposed that the reactor be launched without fuel or partially fueled to avoid any possibility of the reactor attaining criticality in the event of a launch accident. This SBIR proposal describes an innovative approach to permit the reactor to be fueled in space in a simple operation.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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