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2005, 124 pages
ISBN: 1-58566-138-4; ISSN: 1537-3371
$10.00

order no. P-39 | download

Lt Col Downey, USAFR; Wing Cdr Forestier, RAAF; and Lt Col David E. Miller, USAF, advocate a feasibility study for reactors in space and explore a deeper problem with widespread societal rejection concerning the theoretical employment of nuclear technology in space.  They point first to the mission enabling advantages of nuclear reactors in space—factors like light weight, high power, long life, and potentially lower costs.  They see that nuclear-powered spacecraft would serve long-range NASA missions as well as permit effective hyperspectral satellites that would have profound benefits for the Department of Defense.  The limiting factors for nuclear power in space are a compelling mission requirement and broad acceptance in popular support.  Many opponents either have general doubts about such an undertaking or perceive cataclysmic dangers.  A failure of a space launch carrying nuclear systems would produce something on the order of a “dirty” nuclear bomb.  Two things were clear to the authors.  One, nuclear space developers must convince the public that they are capable of developing a safe and robust system.  Two, because the political battle is primarily over perceived risks rather than empirically based understanding, employment of a values-focused decision strategy is necessary to convince the public and congressional leaders of the feasibility of a space nuclear program.