Automated technologies needed to prevent radioactive materials from reentering the atmosphere

Project SIREN (Search, Intercept, Retrieve, Expulsion Nuclear) was created to identify and evaluate the technologies and operational strategies needed to rendezvous with and capture aerospace radioactive materials (e.g., a distressed or spent space reactor core) before such materials can reenter the terrestrial atmosphere and then to safely move these captured materials to an acceptable space destination for proper disposal. A major component of the current project SIREN effort is the development of an interactive technology model (including a computerized data base) that explores, in building-block fashion, the interaction of the technologies and procedures needed to successfully accomplish a SIREN mission. The SIREN model will include appropriate national and international technology elements--both contemporary and projected into the next century. To obtain maximum flexibility and use, the SIREN technology data base is being programmed for use on 286-class PC's. The major technical elements for a successful SIREN mission include: ground and space-based tracking, launch vehicles of needed payload capacity, telerobotic systems, sensors, capture technologies, and space transport and disposal. However, Project SIREN also will impose specialized requirements including the use of dextrous aerospace systems capable of properly functioning in intense radiation and thermal environments

Cape Canaveral-A Main Campus for the University of Space

Predicted in space commercialization studies of the 1970s, anchored in the Cape Canaveral area by the Space Technology graduate program at Florida Institute of Technology, and nurtured by inputs from other universities and industries throughout the United States, the world\u27s first UNIVERSITY OF SPACE is now well on its way to becoming a distinct educational facility for the next millennium! This paper describes the highly innovative graduate program in Space Technology that has been developed over the last decade at the Florida Institute of Technology to satisfy the evolving educational needs of scientists and engineers who work in America\u27s space program in the Cape Canaveral region. This unique FIT graduate curriculum involves 48 credit hours of instruction (quarter system) including courses on the U.S.Space Transportation System, space stations and their applications, remote sensing of the Earth, space power and propulsion systems, the human role in space, and space commercialization. This paper also describes how the essential features of FIT\u27S graduate program In Space Technology are now being introduced into the graduate curricula at other universities to form an educational infrastructure that can rapidly be fused into our planet\u27s first UNIVERSITY OF SPACE with proper industrial support. With the opening of a joint, mutually-beneficial academic-industrial spaceport teaching facility, possibly as part of a NASA-sponsored Center for the Commercial Development of Space, the Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center area can become the main campus for this UNIVERSITY OF SPACE.within a few years

Paper Session I-A - The Characteristics of Extraterrestrial Civilizations and the Interstellar Imperative

The three major types of extraterrestrial civilizations that might evolve in the Galaxy are described, with speculative emphasis on each type of technical civilization\u27s response to the interstellar imperative. A Type I civilization, represents\u27 a planetary civilization; a Type II civilization involves a solar system society; while a Type III civilization is an interstellar community - ranging from a group of several star systems ( clustered Type III) to a galaxy-wide community (fully-developed Type III). The important role of robotic interstellar probes in both Type II and Type III civilizations is also discussed

Paper Session I-C - The Role of Advanced Robotic Systems in Interstellar Exploration

This paper discusses the major mission objectives and technical characteristics of an evolutionary family of advanced robotic space systems that would permit the detailed exploration of the outer Solar System and support precursor interstellar missions in the mid- to late 21st Century. Included in these advanced robotic space systems are: a demonstration autonomous robot mission to Titan, the TAU Probe Mission, the TAU Observatory Mission, a reference star probe mission, and the interstellar exploration implications and capabilities of a self-replicating robot system (SRS). The cosmic ramifications of the use of advanced robotic space systems by starfaring civilizations is also discussed

The Moon-Gateway to the Universe

A decision to exploit the extraterrestrial frontier gives man an infinite physical and resource environment in which to continue human development and growth. The off-planet expansion of the human resource base will be highlighted by several key technology steps: (1) the development of reusable space transportation systems, such as the Space Shuttle; (2) the establishment of manned space stations; (3) the development of space-based industries; (4) the creation of lunar bases and permanent manned settlements; and (5) the full exploitation of lunar and possibly asteroid resources. The Moon and its potential role as man\u27s gateway to the Universe is discussed. Included are a summary of lunar facts, the history of lunar probes and exploration, and a look at Shuttle Era lunar base applications

Paper Session III-C - The Cosmic Consequences of Space Exploration

The Age of Space Exploration represents an era of discovery and scientific achievement without equal in human history. This paper examines the exciting technical and social consequences of space exploration C past, present and future. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the most significant space exploration missions of the past four decades started in Brevard County, Florida with a successful rocket ride into space from the Cape Canaveral/Kennedy Space Center complex. This paper provides a much needed perspective of how space exploration activities are helping answer some of humankind\u27s most important philosophical questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? Are we alone in this vast Universe? Future missions, such as a human expedition to Mars and an advanced robotic mission to the intriguing Jovian moon, Europa, will help define the cosmic philosophy of an emerging Solar System civilization. As we develop a millennial perspective and continue our search for life elsewhere in the Solar System, we will also learn more about our role and place as intelligent species in a vast and beautiful Universe

Space Nuclear Power and Man\u27s Extraterrestrial Civilization

Operational flights of the Space Shuttle have initiated an exciting new era of space util,- zation and habitation. In fact, the start of the Third Millennium will be highlighted by the establishment of man\u27s extraterrestrial civilization. There are three technical cornerstones upon which human expansion into space will depend: 1) compact energy systems, especially power and propulsion modules; 2) the ability to process extraterrestrial materials anywhere in heliocentric space; and 3) the development of permanent human habitats in space. The manned and unmanned space missions of the future will demand first kilowatt, then megawatt, and eventually even gigawatt levels of power. Energy, especially nuclear energy, will be a most critical technical factor in the development of man\u27s extraterrestrial civilization. This paper examines leading space nuclear power technology candidates. Particular emphasis is given the heat-pipe reactor technology currently under development at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. This program is aimed at developing a 10-100*kWe, 7-year lifetime space nuclear power plant. As the demand for space-based power reaches megawatt levels, other nuclear reactor designs including: solid core, fluidized bed, and gaseous core, are considered

Space Nuclear Power and Man\u27s Extraterrestrial Civilization

Operational flights of the Space Shuttle have initiated an exciting new era of space util,- zation and habitation. In fact, the start of the Third Millennium will be highlighted by the establishment of man\u27s extraterrestrial civilization. There are three technical cornerstones upon which human expansion into space will depend: 1) compact energy systems, especially power and propulsion modules; 2) the ability to process extraterrestrial materials anywhere in heliocentric space; and 3) the development of permanent human habitats in space. The manned and unmanned space missions of the future will demand first kilowatt, then megawatt, and eventually even gigawatt levels of power. Energy, especially nuclear energy, will be a most critical technical factor in the development of man\u27s extraterrestrial civilization. This paper examines leading space nuclear power technology candidates. Particular emphasis is given the heat-pipe reactor technology currently under development at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. This program is aimed at developing a 10-100*kWe, 7-year lifetime space nuclear power plant. As the demand for space-based power reaches megawatt levels, other nuclear reactor designs including: solid core, fluidized bed, and gaseous core, are considered

Mars - Pathway to the Stars

Mars has and will continue to play a key role in our exploration and conquest of the Solar System. Within the context of the creation of humanity\u27s extraterrestrial civilization, the major technical features of the following Mars programs are reviewed: the Mars Geoscience/Climatology Orbiter; the Mars Aeronomy Orbiter; the Mars airplane; the Mars Penetrator Network; Mars surface rovers and mobility systems; human exploration of Mars; and permanent Martian bases and settlements. Mars properly explored and utilized opens the way to the resources of the asteroid belt and the outer planets; supports the creation of smart machines for space exploration and exploitation; and encourages the creation of autonomous niches of intelligent life within heliocentric space. All of these developments, in turn, establish the technological pathway for the first interstellar missions

Paper Session III-D - Galaxy Express

As we enter the next millennium, one of the most important legacies that we can leave to future generations is an innovative, self-supporting educational/entertainment facility that continues to capture and propagate the genuine excitement which accompanies the exploration and conquest of space. This paper describes the objectives, content, and operation on one such facility, called here the Galaxy Express™. It is envisioned as an ever-evolving multimedia educational/entertainment complex where visitors can come, explore, be entertained, learn, or simply be rejuvenated with a sense of human purpose and destiny