Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS-2009)

Embedded Topical Meeting at the ANS 2009 Summer Meeting

June 14-18, 2009     Atlanta, GA     Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel

Call for Papers

Authors should submit a one-page 500 word (maximum) abstract (text only) with name, affiliation, address, phone, fax and email information per the instructions in Step 1 below. Upon abstract acceptance submit draft papers per the instructions in Step 2 below.

Papers of exceptional quality will be recommended for publication in a special issue of Nuclear Technology.

Abstract and Paper Submission

Step 1: Online Submission of Abstracts due by February 13, 2009 
Authors should submit a one-page 500 word (maximum) abstract (text only) with name, affiliation, address, phone, fax and email information HERE. Please Indicate Topical Area Number. Topical Area descriptions are provided below.

Step 2: Online Submission of Draft Papers due by February 27, 2009
Once abstracts have been accepted, authors may then upload their full-length draft papers for review via the Electronic Paper Submission and Review link. Please name your draft files according to your paper number (2001-draft.pdf, 2001-draft.doc). Instructions for preparation of full-length papers are noted in the Author Kit entitled: �Guidelines for Proceedings Manuscript Preparation�. The Paper Template is is available in both MS Word and Adobe PDF.

Step 3: Authors will be notified of paper review by March 30, 2009
At this time you will be notified any comments for the preparation of your final paper.

Step 4: Online Submission of Final Papers due by April 17, 2009
Once draft papers are reviewed and approved, authors may then submit their final papers for CD-Rom Publication at the ANS meetings page, www.ans.org/meetings/nets; go to the “Full Paper Submission” link under the NETS meeting listing. Note that this is not the COS system used previously and cannot be accessed via the COS system. Please name your final paper files according to your paper number (2001-final.pdf, 2001-final.doc).

The signed “Agreement on Copyright” sent to you with your paper acceptance should be faxed to 1-708-352-6464. Alternately, please scan and email the signed form to Ellen Leitschuh at eleitschuh@ans.org. The lead/contact author may complete the “Agreement on Copyright” form. The form is also available as the last page in the Author Kit.

Note that ANS will not edit or proof read your final paper. 

Please DO NOT put page numbers on your final paper.

Page Charges

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, papers up to 8 pages in length will be published on the Proceedings CD-Rom free of charge.  Authors exceeding the 8-page limit will be charged a flat $100.

Topical Areas

NETS-2009 is organized into four primary tracks, each of which will have a plenary session.  An overview of each track is provided below.  Abstracts should be submitted to the desired track for initial review; specific sessions will be identified following close of the summary submission window.  Papers describing analytical studies or experimental results are encouraged.  Potential themes to consider include affordability, technology readiness, system integration, environmental interactions, and application of terrestrial technology to space applications.

TRACK I:  Fission Surface Power

The Fission Surface Power track will include papers that consider how nuclear power sources can be used to advance our ability to further explore the Solar System in support of the NASA Vision for Space Exploration.  Technical work reported may include computational investigations, experimental research, or development activities at the component or system level.  Specific sessions may include, but are not limited to:

1.     Fission surface power system and component design,

2.     Simulation and modeling,

3.     Hardware fabrication and testing,

4.     Component or integrated system operation,

5.     Power conversion technologies,

6.     Instrumentation and control system design,

7.     Integration and utilization of surface fission energy sources.

Papers focused on the economic or political implications of space nuclear power development will also be considered in this track.

TRACK II:  Radioisotope Power Systems

The Radioisotope Power Systems track will include papers that cover the use of radioisotopes for in-space or surface power systems. A key area of concern to radioisotope power system development and application is the limited domestic supply of Pu-238.  Technical work reported may include computational or experimental investigations of alternate radioisotopes, advanced power conversion systems, or applications of radioisotope power systems. Specific sessions may include, but are not limited to:

1.     Radioisotope power systems technology and development,

2.     Near-term radioisotope power systems applications and missions,

3.     Options, production, and processing of radioisotope fuels,

4.     Thermoelectric power conversion technology and applications, and

5.     Dynamic power conversion.

TRACK III:  Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

The Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) track will encourage submission of papers related to NTP technology, components, subsystems, integrated system design, testing, performance and mission analysis. Historical papers and papers on topics of interest to exploration and utilization of the moon and Mars are also encouraged.  Specific sessions may include, but are not limited to:

1.     Nuclear thermal rocket technology and integration,

2.     Nonnuclear testing in support of NTP development,

3.     Structural materials for reactor core design, and

4.     Advanced materials and fuels for future high performance systems.

1.   TRACK IV:  Space Nuclear Missions and Architectures

The Space Nuclear Missions and Architectures track will provide an overarching view of how nuclear power sources could be employed for space power and propulsion, providing an enabling technology for a variety of missions.  Mission architectures should consider both manned and unmanned missions to the moon and Mars; other deep space missions may also be discussed.  Specific sessions may include, but are not limited to:

1.     Lunar and Mars exploration architecture studies,

2.     Considerations for space bases on the moon and Mars,

3.     Technologies for lunar surface operations and lunar surface power systems,

4.     Thermal control, including thermal energy transport and heat rejection technologies,

5.     In situ resource utilization, including power and energy requirements,

6.     Radiation shielding considerations, and

7.     Major challenges and opportunities for space exploration.