Veniamin A. Usov

‘‘TOPAZ‐2’’ thermionic space nuclear power system and the perspectives of its development

This paper describes characteristics of the TOPAZ Reactors for space power applications developed in the USSR. TOPAZ‐2 has been shown to be useful for satellites and for lunar or Martian bases. It can be coupled with a Stirling engine. TOPAZ‐3 reactor provides greater power levels while TOPAZ‐4 has an improved multicell thermionic fuel element. (AIP)

Aerodynamic Disruption of a Spacecraft and TOPAZ‐2 System at Reentry

This paper presents the results of computational analysis performed for aerodynamic disruption of a spacecraft using the Topaz‐2 system during reentry from intermediate orbits at accidents on the stage of injection into operational orbit.

Conceptual design of the bimodal nuclear power system based on the ‘‘Romashka’’ type reactor with thermionic energy conversion system

The paper presents conceptual design of the bimodal space nuclear power system (NPS) based on the high‐temperature reactor of ROMASHKA type with thermoninic energy conversion system. At the heart of the design is an employment of close‐spaced thermionic diodes, operating in a quasi‐vacuum mode. The paper gives preliminary estimates of the NPS neutron‐physical, electric, thermophysical and mass‐dimensional parameters for the reactor electric power of 25 kW and propulsive thrust of about 80 N. Discussed are peculiarities of the combined mode wherein electric power is generated along with propulsive thrust. The paper contains results of the design studies performed by the Small Business ‘‘NP Energotech’’ under the Agreement with Rockwell International/Rocketdyne Division and according to the Rocketdyne Division provided Design Requirements. Involved in the work was the team of specialists of RRC ‘‘Kurchatov Institute’’, ‘‘Red Star’’ State Enterprise and Research Institute of SPA ‘‘Luch’’

Bimodal space nuclear power system with fast reactor and topaz II-type single-cell TFE

The paper deals with characteristics and conceptual studies of a bimodal space thermionic system with a fast reactor and single‐cell TFEs which is designed to operate in two modes: rated power mode providing power supply to space vehicle‐mounted systems with energy consumption level of 10–80 kW(e) and forced thermal propulsion mode with thrust of 2200 N.

The neutron‐physical aspects of the converter reactor with single‐element TFE

This paper presents a discussion of the main parameters of a thermionic converter reactor with zirconium hydride moderator using a single‐element fuel element built into the core. Power distribution of the thermionic fuel element, reactivity changes with time, temperature effects and power density were investigated with Monte Carlo calculations. (AIP)

Thermal state of the safety system, reactor, side reflector and shielding of the ‘‘TOPAZ‐2’’ system under conditions of fire caused by a launcher accident at the launch pad

The paper presents some results of calculational analyses performed to determine thermal state of the TOPAZ II safety system structure, radiation shielding, reactor without the side reflector, rods and inserts of the side reflector under conditions of fire at the launch pad when an accident occurs to a launch vehicle.

TOPAZ II Reactor Modifications Overview

A proposed launch of the Russian TOPAZ II power system by the United States will require compliance with U.S. environmental, safety and health (ES&H) regulations. Recent work done by the TOPAZ II Flight Safety team in assuring ES&H compliance for a proposed TOPAZ II flight program has identified some modifications that are necessary to meet United States (U.S.) requirements. There are also some components, particularly in the electronic control area, where more modern components can improve the operability and reliability of the mission. This paper describes the overall approach to considering modifications on the existing TOPAZ II system from both the ES&H and operational aspects, and provides a brief description of each of the proposed modifications.

A power propulsion system based on a second‐generation thermionic NPS of the ‘‘Topaz’’ type

The paper considers the concept of power propulsion systems‐universal space platforms (USPs) on the basis of second‐generation thermionic nuclear power system (NPSs) and stationary plasma electric thrusters (SPETs). The composition and the principles of layout of such a system, based on a thermionic NPS with a continuous power of up to 30 kWe allowing power augmentation by a factor of 2–2.5 as long as during a year, as well as SPETs with a specific impulse of at least 20 km/s and a propulsion efficiency of 0.6–0.7 are discussed. The layouts and the basic parameters are presented for a power propulsion system ensuring cargo transportation from an initial radiation‐safe 800 km high orbit into a geostationary one using the ‘‘Zenit’’ and ‘‘Proton’’ launch systems for injection into an initial orbit. It is shown that the mass of mission‐oriented equipment in the geostationary orbit in the cases under consideration ranges from 2500 to 5500 kg on condition that the flight time is not longer than a year.The power...

A proposed Russian‐American NEPST program utilizing Russian launch and support systems

This paper summarizes the research efforts on investigating the possibility of launching the Nuclear Electric Propulsion Space Test Program (NEPSTP) spacecraft, designed by the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) of Johns Hopkins University, with the Russian ‘‘Proton’’ launch vehicle from the Baikonur launch site (Ponomarev‐Stepnoi 1994). The NEPSTP spacecraft is designed to demonstrate a payload transportation to GEO using the TOPAZ II space nuclear power system and nuclear electric propulsion of different types (including those developed in the US, Great Britain and Russia) capable of providing spacecraft injection to GEO.The spacecraft’s onboard instrumentation includes sensors to measure neutron and gamma radiation around the spacecraft, as well as positron fields surrounding the reactor, and neutral particles and the plasma resulting from operation of nuclear electric propulsion, powered by the nuclear power source. The analysis under study was prepared by the scientists from the Scientific Industrial A...

TOPAZ‐2 reactor distribution during descent in the atmosphere and at the impact with the Earth surface

The paper presents results of more accurate computational analysis of the TOPAZ‐2 system reactor core aerodynamic disruption at an inadvertent reentry. Given are preliminary results on the pattern of disruption of the core partially burnt during its descent in the atmosphere at its impact on the surface of water and sandstone (medium density concrete).