Spacecraft Integration and Launch with novel nuclear payloads.

What is it about?

The future space industry is pushing for permanent settlement on the Moon, then Mars, and eventually, deep space destinations. To achieve these goals, engineers must provide solutions to propulsion and energy challenges. It is expected that the solution to these challenges will be largely provided, in no small part, by nuclear fuels. Historically, the United States has employed Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) for these applications. Due to the prohibitive cost of acquiring Pu-238, solutions are required that employ more affordable fuel that will further enable to future space economy to flourish.

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Photo by SpaceX on Unsplash

Photo by SpaceX on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Historically, Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) has been used to support nuclear propulsion needs as the isotope produces ample energy and easily shielded alpha particles. Unfortunately, the cost to produce this isotope is prohibitive for non-government organizations. As an alternative, companies such as Ultra Safe Nuclear, Zeno Power and others are studying more affordable radioisotope sources, such as Cobalt-60, Strontium-90 and Americium-241. These isotopes emit radiation levels that require extensive shielding considerations. How these materials must be handled, shielded and the operations involving these isotopes must be carefully thought out. This paper attempts the first steps at summarizing these operations and identifying risk areas and proposing limited solutions.

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