Review of overall safety manual for space nuclear systems. An evaluation of a nuclear safety analysis methodology for plutonium-fueled space nuclear systems.

摘要

As part of its duties in connection with space missions involving nuclear power sources, the Office of Nuclear Safety (ONS) of the Office of Assistant Secretary for Environmental Protection, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness has been assigned the task of reviewing the Overall Safety Manual (OSM). The OSM, dated July 1981 and in four volumes, was prepared by NUS Corporation, Rockville, Maryland, for the US Department of Energy. As noted in the work statement, the task was to review the OSM in a broad way without concentrating on the details. Consistent with the work statement, reviewing the risk models was emphasized. Our effort included an evaluation of the overall risk analysis methodology presented in the manual and the technical rationale supporting the methodology. In addition, other aspects of the OSM were evaluated such as its usability, data base, and so on. The review of these other aspects was required in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the value of the document. (ERA citation 15:032357)