A Perspective on the NASA Space Power and Energy Storage Roadmap

1
A Perspective on the NASA Space Power and Energy
Storage Roadmap
H. Sterling Bailey, Ph. D., P.E. Consultant Baile
y Engineering and Management, Inc.

• National Research Council Panel
• Power Workshop
• March 21, 2011

2
Fission Power Systems

• Benefits to NASAs Enterprise Mission

The tremendous value of environment independent,
long life, reliable power in the 100s of We
range has been abundantly demonstrated by the
RTGs powering Pioneer through New Horizons and
Apollo 12-17 However, there is considerable
uncertainty about the availability of sufficient
238Pu for the planned and desired future science
missions Fission power systems offer affordable,
robust, long life power from 1 kWe through MWes
based largely on established terrestrial
technologies that will enable NASA to break free
of current power constraints and that can be
available on schedules and budgets consistent
with NASA mission needs Abundant power for outer
planet science missions Enabling for manned
habitats, ISRU, high power electric
propulsion ..
Development of qualified space fission power
systems will be a truly Game Changing
accomplishment for NASA by dramatically extending
both science and exploration mission capabilities
3
High Priority Power Technologies

• Critical evaluation and potential development of
  1 kWe class fission power systems options
• e.g. solid core with heat pipes coupled to
  thermoelectrics
• Completion of the Fission Power System Technology
  Demonstration Unit
• Map out the reactor feedback parameters required
  for stability
• Accelerated adaption of LMFBR technology to space
• e.g. critical experiments to quantitatively
  validate reactor safety and operational
  parameters for candidate designs
• Evaluation of higher temperature fuels (e.g.
  cermets)
• Development of MWe class concepts and evaluation
  of technologies required vs. available

An integrated Nuclear Power and Propulsion group
with appropriate DOE and Industry participation
is the best way to deliver these technologies
4
Need for a Stable Fission Power Program

• Historically we have experienced several start
  and stop cycles, e.g.
• SNAP 10A 1950s through mid 60s
• SP-100 early 1980s through 1994
• Prometheus/JIMO 2003-2005
• Affordable Fission Surface Power/ Fission Power
  Systems 2006-
• This lack of continuity results in an exceedingly
  small pool of experienced space nuclear power
  personnel
• Retraining costs are high for government and
  industry
• Value from prior work/investment is significantly
  reduced
• Acquisition and subsequent disposal of
  specialized equipment is very wasteful of
  government funds
• Industry confidence in real programs is very low
• Willingness to invest is very questionable

NASA should strive to establish a stable, broad
program
5
Institutional Issues/Challenges

• In the current, low level Fission Power System
  project there is exceptionally good cooperation
  between the participating NASA Center and DOE
  Laboratory personnel
• NASA is the End User/Customer however, the
  Department of Energy has the singular legal
  authority and responsibility to develop fission
  power reactors for federal programs
• Therefore, DOE should be a full partner in space
  fission power system development to achieve
  maximum effectiveness
• This means that DOE should prioritize this within
  its charter and fund a reasonable part of the
  effort
• An agreement at the Administrator to Secretary
  level would be appropriate, OSTP participation
  may be needed
• Coordination of the congressional authorization
  and appropriation committees for NASA and DOE
  will be required

6
Conclusions

• Fission power systems from 1kWe through MWes
  will enable and significantly enrich planned and
  desired science missions complimenting
  radioisotope systems and will enable exploration
  missions to fulfill NASAs goals
• A practical step by step approach to these
  systems is proposed that builds on large
  terrestrial technology investments and
  accomplishments to significantly higher
  performance with measured risks
• A stable NASA/DOE program is required to achieve
  these systems and effectively utilize available
  resources
• A flexible set of power systems based on related
  technologies that will support a range of
  evolving mission requirements is needed to
  justify an ongoing, stable technology program