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Project Title:

Radioisotope Power Systems
PIN: ASEB-J-08-02-A        

Major Unit:

Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences

Sub Unit: Aeronautics & Space Engineering Board
Space Studies Board

RSO: Angleman, Alan

Subject/Focus Area:


Project Scope
The Space Studies Board, in conjunction with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, will appoint a study committee to prepare a report that addresses the following issues regarding the development and use of radioisotope power systems (RPSs) for NASA space missions:

o Technical readiness and programmatic balance of NASA's RPS technology portfolio to support NASA near- and long-term mission plans;

o Effectiveness and ability of U.S. Government agency management structures, including participating organizations and roles and responsibilities, to meet stated goals and objectives of U.S. programs for RPS capabilities within the current statutory and policy framework;

o Importance to the national interest of maintaining and/or re-establishing needed infrastructure at field centers, laboratories, and the private sector R&D base, given the recent curtailment of RPS program content and ambitious national goals in space exploration;

o Strategies for re-establishment of Pu-238 domestic production versus the likelihood of continued procurement of Russian-produced material in view of potential competition for Pu-238 fuel from other space-faring nations and the critical shortage of U.S.-owned inventory; and

o Identification of any actions that could be taken in the context of the overall RPS program to meet stated science and exploration goals.


This project is sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The approximate starting date for the project is 07/01/2008.

A Final Report will be issued at the end of the project in approximately 12 months.


 
Project Duration: 15 months    

Provide FEEDBACK on this project.

Contact the Public Access Records Office to make an inquiry, request a list of the public access file materials, or obtain a copy of the materials found in the file.


Committee Membership
Committee Membership

Meetings
 Meeting 1 - 09/18/2008
 Meeting 2 - 10/27/2008
 Meeting 3 - 12/11/2008
 Meeting 4 - 01/12/2009

Reports

Reports having no URL can be seen
at the Public Access Records Office
Radioisotope Power Systems: An Imperative for Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Space Exploration


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