USAF Space Power Requirements

This paper discusses recent studies conducted by the Space Nuclear Power Systems branch of the Weapons Laboratory. These studies addressed the issues of qualification testing and integration of a reactor power system for Air Force missions. These studies generated a number of technical and programmatic requirements for reactor development programs. Chief among these requirements are specific power of 7 to 12 w/kg, on-orbit or restart capability, no credible mission- ending single point failures, and demonstrable life cycle costs at least equal to those of a comparable solar power system.