Proposed Advanced Satellite Applications Utilizing Space Nuclear Power Systems

A review of the status of space nuclear reactor systems and their possible applications is pmsented. Such systems have been developed over the past twenty years and am capable of use in various military and civilian applications in the 5-10W kWe power ranp. 'Me capabilities and limitations of the currently proposed nuclear reactor systems are summarized. Statements of need am presented from DoD, DOE, and NASA. Safety issues am shown to be identified, and if properly addressed should not pose to be. a hindrance. Applications are summarized for the DoD, DOE, NASA, and civilian community. These applications include both low and high altitude satellite surveillance missions, communications satellite, planetary probes, low and high power lunar and planetary base power systems, broad-band global telecommunications, air traffic control, and high-definition television.