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

Program

The NETS-2009 Preliminary Program is now available!! Please click here (Preliminary Program) to download that document in pdf format.

NETS-2009 will host a Plenary Session on Monday, June 15 and a Special Session on Nuclear Thermal Propulsion on Tuesday, June 16; please see the “Highlights” tab for additional details. The NETS-2009 technical sessions are organized into four primary tracks, as detailed below. The final session titles listed in the preliminary program are modified to fit the papers submitted.

Opening Plenary

Monday, June 15, 2009, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Although the final session titles are based on the papers submitted, key themes are indicated by the four technical tracks and suggested topic areas listed below.  Please see the Preliminary Program for additional details.

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.

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.