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Aerospace Nuclear Science & Technology
Organized to promote the advancement of knowledge in the use of nuclear science and technologies in the aerospace application. Specialized nuclear-based technologies and applications are needed to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace design, engineering and operations to explore planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond, plus enhance the safety of air travel, especially high speed air travel. Areas of interest will include but are not limited to the creation of nuclear-based power and propulsion systems, multifunctional materials to protect humans and electronic components from atmospheric, space, and nuclear power system radiation, human factor strategies for the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power and propulsion plants by non-specialized personnel and more.
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2024 ANS Annual Conference
June 16–19, 2024
Las Vegas, NV|Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Proving DRACO will deliver
The United States is now closer than it has been in over five decades to launching the first nuclear thermal rocket into space, thanks to DRACO—the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Orbit.
Daniel K. Bond, Braden Goddard, Robert C. Singleterry, Jr., Sama Bilbao y León
Nuclear Technology | Volume 206 | Number 8 | August 2020 | Pages 1120-1139
Technical Paper | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2019.1681221
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Materials have a primary purpose in the design of space vehicles, such as fuels, walls, racks, windows, etc. Additionally, each will also effect space radiation protection. The shielding capabilities of 39 materials and nine layering configurations are evaluated for deep space travel in terms of whole-body effective dose equivalent (ED). Polymer and composite materials are also evaluated in terms of . It is clear that a “magic” material or layering configuration is not possible; however, polymers and composites should be used instead of metals if they can serve their primary purpose. Polyethylene is shown to be the best feasible material from this material sample. Thermal neutron absorbers 6Li and 10B do not have a significant effect on ED as homogeneous shields or in layering configurations. Alloying of materials such as aluminum for strengthening purposes does not increase ED. Tanking liquid hydrogen within aluminum does significantly reduce ED when compared to aluminum. Ultimately, a space vehicle is a system of systems and radiation protection must be one of them.