| NEEP602 Fall97 - Lecture 22 |
How much of an additional radiation dose would be experienced if
nuclear power sources were used to provide the electrical energy
needed on the mission or the propulsion on the trip? The answer
depends on the shielding available but the additional exposure can be
held to less than 10 Rem/y. In fact, if the trip time can be
shortened, then the overall exposure to astronauts can be reduced by
the use of nuclear power sources.
The important conclusion from this lecture is that nuclear energy will
be essential to the exploration of Space by humans. The technology was
developed, in some cases 20-30 years ago and will be available once we
decide to go!
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