Game Changing Development
Enabling LEU in Nuclear Propulsion (Tungsten)
Project Description
The objective of this task is to help evaluate the feasibility of affordably producing tungsten (W) consisting of >95% W-184. If such "purified" tungsten can be produced, it could enable high performance (>900 s Isp) Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTRs) fueled by low-enriched uranium (LEU) instead of highly enriched uranium. This in turn would reduce political, programmatic, cost and schedule concerns associated with the development of NTRs.
More »Anticipated Benefits
This technology could enable high performance Nuclear Thermal Rockets (NTRs) fueled by low-enriched uranium (LEU) instead of highly enriched uranium. This in turn would reduce political, programmatic, cost and schedule concerns associated with the development of NTRs.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
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