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Paul C. Schmitz

Publications and source records attributed to Paul C. Schmitz.

4 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2022

Nuclear Power Concepts and Development Strategies for High-Power Electric Propulsion Missions to Mars

Under the Mars Transportation Assessment Study (MTAS), NASA and the Department of Energy are performing analyses and generating concepts for crewed nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) missions to Mars. This report presents the results of trade studies and concept development for the nuclear electric power system, consisting of the fission reactor, radiation shielding, power conversion, heat rejection, and power management and distribution (PMAD). The nuclear power team completed trade studies to evaluate different reactor and power conversion technologies and developed preliminary concepts for the crew shielding, waste heat radiators, and PMAD. The initial results suggest that a modified terrestrial microreactor combined with supercritical CO2 Brayton conversion could be used to perform the crew and cargo missions with satisfactory performance and modest risk. The report includes preliminary development strategies that could bring the NEP technology to fruition for Mars missions in the late 2030s or early 2040s.

Lee S. Mason↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Am-241 Powered Dynamic Radioisotope Power System (DRPS) for Long Duration Lunar Rovers

For more than half a century most deep space and planetary missions have utilised Pu-238 as the isotope of choice for fuelling radioisotope thermoelectric generators and radioisotope heater units. In Europe, Am-241 based fuel has been selected and developed as part of the European Space Agency funded radioisotope power system program to provide technology solutions in the form of radioisotope thermoelectric generators and radioisotope heater units. A concurrent design study, in collaboration with NASA Glenn Research Centre, has been undertaken to design and develop a dynamic radioisotope power conversion concept that uses the European Large Heat Source. This is a 200 Wth Am-241 based heat source being developed for ESA and is an essential building block for the University of Leicester led radioisotope thermoelectric generator programme. This study aims to expand on the applications of the Am-241 based heat source within and outside Europe. The advancement in Am-241 power technologies could give rise to a suitable and sustainable addition to current Pu-238 based technologies, making the solar system and beyond more accessible for science and exploration mission.

Dynamic Radioisotope Power System↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The European Radioisotope Power Systems Program: Updates & Synergies

Radioisotope power systems (RPS) are an essential building block of the space exploration strategies of a number of countries around the world. The UK, US and the European Space Agency (ESA) view RPS technologies as enabling for a range of scientific space missions targeting the most challenging, distant, and cold environments in the solar system over the coming decades. However, RPS interest and associated capabilities are growing across the globe, where drivers include the increasing importance of space to address defense and commercial interests. Most missions have utilized 238 Pu as the radioisotope of choice to generate electrical power and to produce heat for the operation and thermal management of spacecraft systems. In Europe, since 2009, 241 Am in ceramic form has been selected for the ESA RPS development program. The ESA program has evolved in the past few years into a cross directorate program. This paper provides an update on this RPS technology program with a focus on technology updates, missions and partnerships.

Americium↗