A Discussion of Nuclear Propulsion in Space Travel
Nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) is gaining popularity as a safe alternative to conventional propulsion. Such alternatives are desirable to meet the goals of lunar colonization and manned...
Nuclear Propulsion
In this paper, the possibilities and safety of nuclear propulsion will be discussed and explained. The main focus pertains to the efficiency and safety of this form of propulsion. Nuclear...
Propulsion Systems for Future Space Exploration
There are many types of propulsion that are being considered for future space travel needs. These include nuclear, solar sail, magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, and laser propulsion...
Propulsion Systems: Present and Future
Propulsion is the very essence of space travel. There are many types of propulsion. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Propulsion systems are constantly being improved just...
Solar Power Satellites
Earth's fossil fuel supply is dropping quickly. A new power source must be developed to save the remaining fuel and control pollution output. Solar power satellites are large satellites...
Effects of Dust and Thermal Cycling on Telescope Mirror Performance
In this study, 1 cm ? 1 cm square optical-grade aluminized glass mirrors were measured for maximum light reflectance and then the loss of reflectance due to the presence of different specific...
Thermal Regeneration of Spent Lithium Hydroxide
Exploration of planetary surfaces will require portable life-support systems to provide a continuous supply of breathable air. These systems will need to be regenerable in order to support...
Utilization of Liquid Carbon Dioxide for Planetary Exploration
The major component of the atmosphere of Venus and Mars is carbon dioxide CO2. This proposal is to use this carbon dioxide for planetary exploration...
Construction of Large Lunar Structures by Fusion Welding of Sintered Regolith
Regardless of material used, construction of large lunar structures using indigenous resources is likely to requires joining of simple blocks or pieces. Fusion welding using an optical...
Oxygen Generation from Synthetic Moon Soil Using a Plasma Reactor
A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the potential for generating oxygen from silica powder, alumina powder and a synthetic moon soil powder. A non-transferred arc plasma...
Lunar Oxygen Production in a Hydrogen Cold Plasma
This paper examines the concept of oxygen production from unbeneficiated lunar regolith using a non-equilibrium or 'cold' hydrogen plasma. An experimental investigation has indicated that...
Carbon Formation Theory for Space Oxygen Processes
Production of oxygen from the Martian atmosphere or lunar soil and the recovery of oxygen in manned space environments may include carbon formation from CO as a unit process. Thermodynamic...
Sintering Bricks on the Moon
Sintering of full-scale 'bricks' from lunar soil simulant materials can be accomplished by radiant heating to 1100?C for approximately 2 hours, followed by slow cooling. Small-scale precompaction...
Optical Waveguide Solar Energy System for Lunar Material Processing
This paper summarizes a study of the optical waveguide (OW) solar energy system for lunar material processing. In the OW solar energy system, solar radiation is collected by the concentrator...
Transfer Vehicle Sizing for Missions to Mars
The purpose of this study is to analyze the interactions between mission and vehicle design parameters, and determine how the selection of a particular trajectory and transit time affects...
An Ultra-Lightweight Advanced Technology Telescope for Space Applications
We propose a new type of telescope designed specifically for space and lunar applications. The optical reflecting surfaces of the telescope are made by replication onto thin ultra-lightweight...
The History and Present Status of Microwave Aircraft
The history of microwave-powered aircraft is reviewed from the point of view of interaction between the technology of beamed microwave power transmission and the applications for it. the...
Dynamics of Nuclear Power Plant Structures with Foundation Interaction
This paper presents analyses and conclusions pertaining to a recorded earthquake motion felt at a nuclear power plant. The objective is to obtain frequency composition, assess damage potential,...
Monitoring of Structures During Repair of Underground Utilities
A collapse of underground utilities at a power plant required the constant monitoring of the surrounding structures during excavation and replacement of the damaged pipes. A computer-based...
A Study of Jointless Bridge Behavior
The pressing need for maintenance free and low construction cost bridges, has increased the interest and activity in building integral or jointless bridges. The investigation of the behavior...
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