Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5476663 Energy 2016 14 Pages PDF
Abstract
A system for space disposal of the most radioactive component of the spent fuel produced by the nuclear reactors is designed conceptually with an intent of ensuring safety. Unlike the earlier design by NASA, this system is to use a commercially available launch vehicle and be launched from the western Pacific Ocean. It will fly low until it acquires Earth-escape velocity, so that the nuclear package will not fall on land in case of system malfunctioning. The package will be parked in one of the lunar libration points L4 or L5, and kept vigilant by a watch-dog orbital transfer vehicle which will push the package away in case an asteroid approaches. The calculation shows that such a safe system will be feasible and relatively cheap. The details of how the nuclear package is made, how the launch vehicle is made and flown, and how the nuclear package is managed in the final parking orbit are described.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Energy (General)
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