Home > Science Seminar > Fall 2005 Seminar Schedules > Nuclear Power and Propulsion
The Science Seminar Series: September 8, 2005
Past, Present, and Future of Space Nuclear Power & Propulsion
Dr. Samim Anghaie, University of Florida
Innovative Nuclear Space Power & Propulsion Institute
University of Florida
Room 1011 Biology/Chemistry BuildingTime: 4:00 -5:00pm
The space nuclear power and propulsion program in the Unites States was motivated by the need to develop Intercontinental Ballistic Missile in
early 1950’s. The nuclear rocket engine development program started in 1955 with the initiation of the ROVER project. The first step in the
ROVER program was the KIWI project that included the development and testing of 8 non-flyable ultrahigh temperature nuclear test reactors
during 1955-1964. The KIWI project was precursor to the PHOEBUS carbon-based fuel reactor project that resulted in ground testing of
three high power reactors during 1965-1968 with the last reactor operated at 4,100 MW. During the same time period a parallel program
was pursued to develop a nuclear thermal rocket based on cermet fuel technology. The third component of the ROVER program was the Nuclear
Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications (NERVA) that was initiated in 1961 with the primary goal of designing the first generation of nuclear
rocket engine based on the KIWI project experience. The fourth component of the ROVER program was the Reactor In-Flight Test (RIFT)
project that was intended to design, fabricate, and flight test a NERVA powered upper stage engine for the Saturn-class lunch vehicle. During
the ROVER program era, the Unites States ventured in a comprehensive space nuclear program that included design and testing of several
compact reactors and space suitable power conversion systems, and the development of a few light weight heat rejection systems. Contrary to
its sister ROVER program, the space nuclear power program resulted in the first ever deployment and in-space operation of the nuclear powered
SNAP-10A in 1965.
The USSR space nuclear program started in early 70’s and resulted in deployment of two 6 kWe TOPAZ reactors into space and ground testing of
the prototype of a relatively small nuclear rocket engine in 1984. The US ambition for the development and deployment of space nuclear power
and propulsion was resurrected in early 1980’s, early 1990’s, and early 2000’s with the initiation of several research programs that included
the SP-100. The current NASA focus is on the project PROMETHUS that among its primary objectives are development of the Jupiter Icy Moons
Orbiter (JIMO), Moon and Mars surface power, and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion system.