Radionuclide Absorption Demonstration System
Project Description
After a nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) is test fired, the engine's reactor is operated in a cool-down mode during which radioactive exhaust by-products continue to be made, yet at a much lower rate. Extended operation of a Thermal Propulsion Capture System (TPCS) where all exhaust products are totally contained will be uneconomical during that longer term cool-down phase. Instead, a Regenerative Radionuclide Adsorption and Disposal System (RRAADS) could be implemented to trap radioactive emissions. This project built and tested a small scale demonstration system to verify that development of the technology is feasible.
More »Anticipated Benefits
This effort is validating existing analytical models and enabling implementation of an operational RRAADS for the cool-down cycle of the NTR TPCS. This technology will further decrease any radioactive product releases to the environment to very low levels during the cool-down phase and provide benefit to the larger nuclear power industry as well.
More »Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Stennis Space Center
(SSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Stennis Space Center, Mississippi |
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
| University of Southern Mississippi | Supporting Organization | Academia | Hattiesburg, Mississippi |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
Mississippi
