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C-Conference Call for Papers
25th Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion
Program Chair
Michael Houts
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Huntsville, AL
Phone: 256.544.8136
Fax: 256.544.6696 michael.g.houts@nasa.gov
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Program Co-Chair
George Schmidt
NASA Glenn Research Center
Cleveland, OH
Phone: 216.433.3944
george.schmidt@nasa.gov |
Interested in submitting a paper to C-Conference? The process begins with the submission of your initial abstract. Check out the C-Conference Call for Papers below to find the most appropriate session for your submission. Below each session's listing is a direct link to our initial abstract submission form. You'll find additional information about publishing in the proceedings, including requirements and a publication timeline, on our general manuscript submission page.
Conference Overview for 2008
Exploring space and extending human presence across the solar system requires the development and application of advanced nuclear power and propulsion capabilities. Today, many space missions depend on nuclear power in the form of radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Tomorrow, advanced radioisotope-based and new fission-based power and propulsion systems will lead the way to future space exploits.
The 25th Symposium on Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion solicits papers on a wide range of topics on the development, integration, and advancement of space nuclear and propulsion systems technologies for enabling unrestricted and sustained access to space. This Symposium takes place at the threshold of a new era. The Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) has set the stage for a renaissance that will inspire the next generation and lead to unprecedented discoveries.
2008 Session List
CT101. Space Nuclear Fission Power Systems & Concepts
Session Chair: David I. Poston, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 505-667-4336, poston@lanl.gov
Session Co-Chair: TBD
Papers are invited that present engineering design and analysis of fission reactor power systems for use on the surface of the moon or Mars, or for use in space. It is expected that the focus of the paper will be on the reactor, but ir is recommended that papers encompass the complete power system (reactor, control, shield, power conversion, power control and distribution, waste heat rejection, etc.) at some level. In-space concepts may support spacecraft power or nuclear electric propulsion missions. Surface fission power systems may support potential near-term or advanced robotic and human missions. Concepts that could potentially meet both space and surface power requirements are also encouraged.
Go to Submission Form 
CT102. Fission Surface Power System Components
Session Chair: Arthur Lou Qualls, UT-Battelle, Oak Ridge, TN, 865-574-0256, quallsal@ornl.gov
Session Co-Chair: Dan Wachs, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, 208-533-7604, Daniel.m.wachs@inl.gov
Papers are invited that discuss components of interest to near-term, affordable fission surface power systems in the 10 – 50 kWe power range. Specific topics of interest include component design, testing, experience base, and applicability.
Go to Submission Form
CT103. Integration and Utilization of
Surface Fission Energy Sources
Session Chair: J. Boise Pearson, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL, 256-961-0078, j.boise.pearson@nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: Robert Cataldo, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 216-977-7082, Robert.L.Cataldo@nasa.gov
Papers are invited that address issues associated with the integration and utilization of surface fission energy sources on the moon or Mars. Topics of interest include integration of the fission energy source and lander, reactor operational effects on the lander and nearby regolith, methods for using lunar or Martian regolith to provide partial radiation shielding, effects of ionizing radiation on regolith, potential materials for use in lunar or Martian environments, system requirements, methods for transferring process heat, integrated waste heat rejection systems, and others.
Go to Submission Form
CT104. Near-Term Radioisotope Power Systems:
Components, Applications & Missions
Session Chair: Alan Harmon, U.S. Department of Energy, Germantown, MD, 301-903-1167, bruce.a.harmon@nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: Robert Abelson, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, 818-393-1500, Robert.D.Abelson@jpl.nasa.gov
Papers related to potential (or planned) near-term applications and missions for radioisotope systems are solicited. Lunar, Mars, deep space, and other applications or missions are of interest. Radioisotope systems of interest include radioisotope power systems (RPSs) and radioisotope heater units (RHUs). Potential applications of interest include power carts (100 We to several kWe), highly capable rovers, and others.
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CT105. Non-Nuclear Testing and Evaluation
Session Chair: James J. Martin, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL, 256-544-6054, jim.j.martin@nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: David Hervol, Analex Corporation, Cleveland, OH, 216-433-9624, david.s.hervol@nasa.gov
Nuclear power has been identified as a key enabling technology for long term manned bases and deep space missions. Proof-of-concept, reliability, and system performance testing with non-nuclear heat sources can provide substantial data more quickly and with less risk. This session solicits papers which discuss non-nuclear testing in support of the design, development, qualification, and acceptance of space nuclear systems. Papers that include experimental results are of particular interest. Potential topics include integrated system testing, subsystem testing, component testing, and feasibility testing.
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CT106. Space Nuclear Power Systems:
Simulation and Modeling
Session Chair: Thomas Marcille, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 505-667-2762, marcil@lanl.gov
Session Co-Chair: TBD
Advances in simulation and modeling may help enable affordable space fission systems. Papers are invited that discuss state-of-the-art simulation and modeling techniques, and their application to the development of fission surface power or nuclear thermal propulsion systems. Papers that identify high-payoff opportunities to develop new techniques are also encouraged.
Go to Submission Form
CT107. Safety and Reliability
Session Chair: Steven A. Wright, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 505-845-3014, sawrigh@sandia.gov
Session Co-Chair: Martin B. Sattison, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID, 208- 526-9626, martin.sattison@inl.gov
Papers are encouraged that discuss safety and reliability as applied to the design, development, qualification, launch, and operation of space fission systems. Papers related to the potential utilization of fission surface power systems are particularly encouraged. Potential topics include test and data needs, historical insights, and experimental results.
Go to Submission Form
CT108. Economic and Political Aspects of
Space Nuclear Power Systems
Session Chair: Shannon Bragg-Sitton, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL, 256-544-6272, Shannon.M.Bragg-Sitton@nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: TBD
The development and utilization of space nuclear power systems could be beneficial in many ways. There may also be potential concerns with these systems. Papers are invited in a variety of areas, including the impact of space nuclear power on educating the next generation of nuclear engineers, political benefits and hazards of space nuclear power, the economic impact of a robust space program, and the economic impact of nuclear technology.
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CT109. Human Lunar and Mars Mission
Power Requirements
Session Chair: Joseph Nainiger, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 216-977-7103,Joseph.J.Nainiger@grc.nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: John Scott, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, 281-483-3136, john.h.scott@nasa.gov
Power is essential to the exploration and utilization of the moon and Mars. Papers are invited that address potential power needs, ranging from power requirements for potential early robotic missions to power requirements to support a large, sustained human presence. Both surface and in-transit power requirements are of interest.
Go to Submission Form
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CT201. Electric Propulsion Systems Concept
Session Chair: James Polk, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, 818-354-9275, james.e.polk@jpl.nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: Ivana Hrbud, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 765-494-3423, ihrbud@purdue.edu
Papers are invited that discuss any aspect of electric propulsion, ranging from component technology (e.g. thrusters) to integrated system design. Technologies and systems applicable to potential near-term robotic missions are of interest, as are technologies and systems potentially applicable to human exploration.
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CT202. Advanced Concepts and Technologies
Session Chair: James Powell, Plus Ultra Technologies, Inc., Stony Brook, NY, 631-744-5707, jamesrpowell32@gmail.com
Session Co-Chair: Terry Kammash, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 734-764-0205, tkammash@umich.edu
Nuclear systems can potentially enable the complete exploration and utilization of the solar system. Advanced applications such as terraforming and asteroid deflection can be enabled by these systems. Papers are invited related to all aspects of advanced nuclear systems, including technologies, system design, and potential missions.
Go to Submission Form
CT203. Nuclear Thermal Rockets: Past, Present, and Future
Session Chair: Stanley K. Borowski, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 216.977.7091, stanley.k.borowski@nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: TBD
Papers are sought on Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) engine design options and in-space transportation system concepts and key technologies for future cargo and crewed missions to the Moon, Mars (NASA's current NTP application focus), and near Earth objects (NEOs), as well as, for fast transit robotic science missions to outer planets. Of particular interest are papers on nearer term, solid core NTP engine designs and concepts that could be available within the next 15-20 years. Potential "state-of-the-art" improvements to "heritage" Rover/NERVA and cermet fuel fast reactor engine designs, including the modeling of these systems, are example topics of interest, as are papers on candidate NTP fuels, engine development and testing strategies. Papers addressing enhanced systems like the "bimodal" NTP concept that can provide high thrust propulsion and auxiliary spacecraft electrical power, and the liquid oxygen-augmented NTP option that can utilize extraterrestrial oxygen or water resources (when they become available) to improve performance are also encouraged. Also, in observance of the 25th anniversary of the Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Symposium, historical papers are being solicited on the Rover/NERVA, GE-710 and ANL NTP development programs and past accomplishments.
Go to Submission Form
CT204. Nuclear Thermal Rocket Technology and Integration
Session Chair: Steven Howe, Center for Space Nuclear Research, Idaho Falls, ID, 208.526.6103, showe@usra.edu
Session Co-Chair: Rick Ballard, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL, 256-544-7015, richard.o.ballard@nasa.gov
Papers are sought related to specific technologies required for near-term nuclear thermal propulsion systems. Papers associated with system integration, integrated system design, and component or system-level nuclear testing are also of interest.
Go to Submission Form
CT205. Non-nuclear Testing in
Support of
Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Development
Session Chair: Bill Emrich, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL, 256-544-7504, bill.emrich@nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: Steven Dron, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, 505-845-7126, sbdron@sandia.gov
Non-nuclear testing will be highly useful in the design, development, qualification, acceptance, and utilization of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) systems. Papers are invited that address any topic related to non-nuclear testing of NTP systems. Papers that discuss facilities or experimental results are particularly encouraged.
Go to Submission Form
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CT301. Fuels and Fuel Pin Design for Space Nuclear Power
Session Chair: Jeffrey Halfinger, BWX Technologies, Inc., Lynchburg, VA, 434-522-5941,jahalfinger@bwxt.com
Session Co-Chair: James E. Werner, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, 208.526.8378, james.werner@inl.gov
Papers are invited that discuss any topic related to fissile fuel or fuel pin design for space nuclear power systems. Although fuels and fuel pin designs for near-term systems are of most interest, papers related to advanced fuels and fuel forms are also encouraged.
Go to Submission Form
CT302. Structural Materials for Space Reactor Core Design
Session Chair: Arthur Lou Qualls, UT-Battelle, Oak Ridge, TN, 865-574-0256, quallsal@ornl.gov
Session Co-Chair: Cheryl Bowman, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 216-433-8462, cheryl.l.bowman@nasa.gov
Papers are invited that discuss structural materials for space power systems. Potential topics include operating temperature range, compatibility (internal or exposed to exterior), creep, and experience base. Materials for use in potential near-term, affordable systems are of interest, as are structural materials for use in potential advanced systems.
Go to Submission Form
CT303. Radioisotope Power Options,
Production, and Processing
Session Chair: James E. Werner, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, 208.526.8378, james.werner@inl.gov
Session Co-Chair: Jeffrey C. King, University of Missouri, Rolla, Rolla, MO, 573-341-6834, kingjc@umr.edu
Over the past 4 decades, radioisotope systems have enabled numerous space missions. However, if not addressed, the worldwide shortage of Pu-238 may limit the extent to which radioisotope systems can be used in the future. This session invites papers related to any topic associated with radioisotopes that are or could be used to power these systems, including Pu-238, alternative isotopes, production of isotopes, and processing of isotopes.
Go to Submission Form
CT304. Advanced Materials and Fuels for Future High Performance Systems
Session Chair: Samim Anghaie, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 352-392-8653, anghaie@ufl.edu
Session Co-Chair: Wayne Ohlinger, Bechtel Bettis, Inc., West Mifflin, PA, 412-476-6549, ohlinger@bettis.gov
Advanced materials and fuels could enable extremely high performance space nuclear systems. Papers are invited that discuss advances in materials and fuels, and well as potential applications or system designs that utilize them. Papers providing theoretical or experimental results are particularly encouraged.
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CT401. Terrestrial Programs and Technologies
with Space Applications
Session Chair: Samit Bhattacharyya, RenMar Enterprises Inc., Naperville, IL, 630-330-5625, bhatt@renmar.org
Session Co-Chair: William Determan, Hamilton Sundstrand, Canoga Park, CA, 818-586-1902, william.determan@hsr.utc.com
Papers related to the status of past, current or projected terrestrial power technologies and their applicability to space applications are requested. Experimental and/or analytical studies discussing performance and operations are solicited. Of particular interest are papers that describe the use of novel technologies for terrestrial systems and how they could be utilized or adapted for space. Specific examples include terrestrial reactor programs (both US and international) and terrestrial energy conversion technologies in the kWe – MWe power range.
Go to Submission Form
CT402. Dynamic Power I: 100 W Class
Session Chair: Richard K. Shaltens, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 216-433-6138, richard.shaltens@grc.nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: TBD
Papers related to the current development of Stirling, Brayton, and Rankine cycles for 100 watt class power systems are requested. Potential areas of interest include analysis, design, fabrication, testing, and integration. Papers that discuss the current technology readiness and how the technologies are being implemented for actual space missions are encouraged. Topics also include, but are not limited to: radioisotope-fueled dynamic power systems for space or terrestrial applications; solar dynamic power systems for space applications; critical component or technology issues relevant to dynamic power systems; overview papers dealing with history, status, and/or potential for dynamic power systems in space applications; and system integration aspects of using dynamic power systems for space applications.
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CT403. Dynamic Power II: Multi-kilowatt
Session Chair: Lee Mason, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 216.977.7106, lee.s.mason@nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: Dennis Pelaccio, The Aerospace Corporation, Los Angeles, CA, 310-336-1504, dennis.g.pelaccio@aero.org
Papers related to the current development of Stirling, Brayton, and Rankine cycles for multi-kilowatt class power systems are requested. Potential areas of interest include analysis, design, fabrication, testing, and integration. Papers that discuss the current technology readiness and how the technologies are being implemented for actual space missions are encouraged. Potential topics also include, but are not limited to: nuclear electric and surface power systems and applications; solar dynamic power systems for space applications; critical component or technology issues relevant to dynamic power systems; overview papers dealing with history, status, and/or potential for dynamic power systems in space applications; and system integration aspects of using dynamic power systems for space applications.
Go to Submission Form
CT404. Thermoelectric Power Conversion
Technology and Applications
Session Chair: Bill J. Nesmith, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, 818-354-3478, bill.j.nesmith@jpl.nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: Jean-Michel Tournier, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 505 277-7961, tournier@unm.edu
Papers are solicited that address the performance, design, technical issues, and advances in thermoelectric energy conversion for commercial, terrestrial, and space applications. Specific topics include, but are not limited to: new thermoelectric materials and devices; thermoelectric power generation with either nuclear or non-nuclear sources; spin-off applications to waste heat recovery; commercial power generation; cooling devices; and thermoelectric micro-devices. Topics may also include review of current and projected thermoelectric materials such as SiGe, PbTe, TAGS, BiTe and Skutterudites. Potential areas of interest include analysis, design, fabrication, testing, and integration. Papers that discuss the current technology readiness and how the technologies are being implemented for actual space missions are encouraged.
Go to Submission Form
CT405. Thermal Energy Transport and
Heat Rejection Technologies
Session Chair: Donald A. Jaworske, NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH, 216-433-2312, donald.a.jaworske@grc.nasa.gov
Session Co-Chair: Robert S. Reid, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 505-667-2626, rsr@lanl.gov
This session will address relevant technologies applicable to high and low temperature thermal energy transport and heat rejection to a space environment. Single-phase and two-phase heat transport and heat rejection technologies applicable to space power thermal-based systems are subjects of interest to the development of low mass space power systems. Advances in materials, joining, or bonding technologies that significantly reduce a space power system’s heat transport or heat rejection subsystem mass or improves its reliability are of interest. Steady state and transient performance analysis of heat transport or heat rejection components or subsystems are of interest as well as investigations of heat transport phenomenon relevant to the performance of a space power thermal-based system. Topics may also include technologies to transport, store, maintain, or dissipate thermal energy. Papers may focus on reactor primary heat transport, power conversion waste heat transport, thermal energy storage, thermal insulation, or space radiators. Potential areas of interest include analysis, design, fabrication, testing, and integration. Papers that discuss the current technology readiness and how the technologies are being implemented for actual space missions are encouraged.
Go to Submission Form
CT406. Radioisotope Power Systems
Technology and Development
Session Chair: Patrick Frye, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Canoga Park, CA, 818-586-0363, patrick.frye@pwr.utc.com
Session Co-Chair: TBD
Papers are invited that present engineering design and analysis related to radioisotope (RPS) technology and development. Papers could address overall technology; performance and technical issues; system/generator design; development; system issues/risks; testing; and applications based on advanced Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) and Heater Units (RHUs) that meet the needs of future, long-lived spacecraft. Various power levels are needed to span the full range of potential future space exploration and surface power missions, with powers ranging from milliwatts to kilowatts. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: increased conversion efficiency and specific power; modular or scaling advanced RPSs for mission specific power levels; multi-mission operations in a vacuum, atmosphere, or extreme environments; electromagnetic interference (EMI); reliability and long lifetimes (possibly > 14 years); failure and degradation mechanisms; utilization of both electric power and thermal heat; high g-loads at landing; system modeling and system integration aspects of space applications; critical technology, component, or system issues; or development status. Comparisons of system performance between power conversion approaches, and application of one or more power conversion approaches towards meeting the needs of future science and exploration missions are of interest. Papers addressing RPS systems at the highest power levels would benefit by exploring comparisons with fission based concepts. Papers related to the overall system and mission integration of radioisotope power systems are also requested. Topics may include status of current development projects, strategies for advancing technology readiness, and potential mission applications. Potential areas of interest include review of technology databases, standards for qualifying systems for space, safety and launch approval, and mission operations.
Go to Submission Form
CT407. Heat Acquisition, Thermal Storage, Heat
Transport, Materials& Surface Treatments
Session Chair: Donald M. Ernst, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc., Lancaster, PA, 717-471-8998, Don.Ernst@1-ACT.com
Session Co-Chair: James L. Sanzi, Sest, Inc., Middleburg Heights, OH, 216-433-5036, James.L.Sanzi@grc.nasa.gov
This session will address relevant technologies applicable to high and low temperature heat rejection to a space environment. All technologies applicable to space power thermal-based systems are subjects of interest for the development of high reliability, low mass space power systems. Innovative methods of acquiring, storing transporting and rejecting thermal energy are of interest. This includes single and two phase heat transport components and their steady state and transient performance analysis relevant to the performance of a space power thermal-based system. Advances in heat acquisition, thermal storage media, new materials of construction, innovative bonding or joining techniques and radiator surface treatments that significantly reduce a space power system’s heat transport or heat rejection subsystems mass or improves its reliability are of interest.
CE01. Joint C/E-Conference Session: Nuclear
Technology in Support of Space Colonization
Chair: TBD
Co-Chair: Anne Garber, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, AL, 256-544-0665, anne.e.garber@nasa.gov
Nuclear technology has the theoretical potential to enable exploration, utilization, and colonization of the entire solar system. In addition, innovative concepts have been proposed for using nuclear technology to reach several of the nearer star systems within a few hundred years.
This session will explore the potential use of nuclear technology in support of space colonization. Topics of interest include both advanced nuclear power systems and advanced nuclear propulsion systems. Advanced missions, anticipated requirements, and integrated scenarios for colonization are also of interest. Papers that discuss required technologies and options for developing those technologies are also encouraged.
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