The paper presents a technical feasibility study of a nuclear reactor for electric power generation for space missions. The MAUS-1,5 (Multipurpose Advanced Ultra compact multiplicative System) space reactor system was designed by the Nuclear Engineering and Energy Conversion Department (DINCE) of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" and is based on a fast neutron spectrum, static sodium cooled reactor as heat source and AMTEC thermoelectric cells for electric power conversion. Compactness, very long lifetime, robustness and simplicity are the mean features of this space electric power generator which represents a valid solution with respect to radioisotope thermoelectric generators, for planetary and deep space exploration.
展开▼
