Flying reactors : the political feasibility of nuclear power in space / James R. Downey, Anthony M. Forestier, David E. Miller.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Downey, James R.

Contributor:

Forestier, Anthony M.

Miller, David E., 1960-

Air University (U.S.). Press

Air University (U.S.). College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research, and Education

Series:

CADRE paper ; 22.

CADRE paper, 1537-3371 ; no. 22

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Project SNAP.

Space vehicles--Nuclear power plants.

Space vehicles.

Space vehicles--Auxiliary power supply.

Nuclear energy--Public opinion.

Nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy--Government policy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xi, 110 pages)

polychrome.

Other Title:

Political feasibility of nuclear power in space

Place of Publication:

Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. : Air University Press, [2005]

System Details:

text file

PDF

Summary:

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 ₃dirty₄ 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.

Contents:

1. Wither space nuclear power?

2. Space nuclear power as trans-scientific public policy

3. Political permission, the contemporary dimensions

4. A trans-scientific political engagement strategy

5. Conclusions.

Notes:

Title from title screen (viewed March 18, 2009).

At head of title: College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education, Air University.

"April 2005."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 107-110).

Electronic reproduction. [Place of publication not identified] : HathiTrust Digital Library, 2011.

Other Format:

Downey, James R. Flying reactors

ISBN:

1585661384

9781585661381

OCLC:

316230366

Access Restriction:

Use copy Restrictions unspecified