Conceptual studies on the integration of a nuclear reactor system to a manned rover for Mars missions

Details Conceptual studies on the integration of a nuclear reactor system to a manned rover for Mars missions Conceptual studies on the integration of a nuclear reactor system to a manned rover for Mars missions

Jul 1991

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1991unm..rept.....e&link_type=abstract

Final Report, Feb. 1989 - Nov. 1990 New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque. Dept. of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering.

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Manned Mars Missions, Mars Surface, Nuclear Power Reactors, Roving Vehicles, Systems Integration, Auxiliary Power Sources, Brayton Cycle, Photovoltaic Cells, Radiation Shielding, Regenerative Fuel Cells, Stirling Engines, Thermoelectric Power Generation

Scientific paper

Multiyear civilian manned missions to explore the surface of Mars are thought by NASA to be possible early in the next century. Expeditions to Mars, as well as permanent bases, are envisioned to require enhanced piloted vehicles to conduct science and exploration activities. Piloted rovers, with 30 kWe user net power (for drilling, sampling and sample analysis, onboard computer and computer instrumentation, vehicle thermal management, and astronaut life support systems) in addition to mobility are being considered. The rover design, for this study, included a four car train type vehicle complete with a hybrid solar photovoltaic/regenerative fuel cell auxiliary power system (APS). This system was designed to power the primary control vehicle. The APS supplies life support power for four astronauts and a limited degree of mobility allowing the primary control vehicle to limp back to either a permanent base or an accent vehicle. The results showed that the APS described above, with a mass of 667 kg, was sufficient to provide live support power and a top speed of five km/h for 6 hours per day. It was also seen that the factors that had the largest effect on the APS mass were the life support power, the number of astronauts, and the PV cell efficiency. The topics covered include: (1) power system options; (2) rover layout and design; (3) parametric analysis of total mass and power requirements for a manned Mars rover; (4) radiation shield design; and (5) energy conversion systems.

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