RADIATION SAFETY IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR ROCKET PROPULSION

A vigorous safety program is being conducted concurrently with engineering development of prototype nuclear propulsion reactors, and some of its conclusions are discussed. The problem areas are delineated and reasonably sound predictions are presented of the potential radiation hazards of testing and flying a minimal performance system capable of producing 1000 Mw power for an operating cycle of 5 min. The reactor, although containing more U/sup 2//sup 3// sup 5/ than an atomic bomb, could not produce a significant nuclear explosion under the most drastic accident conditions. At most, the energy release would be only approximately -3% of the maximum power rating. Prompt neutron and gamma radiation during operation, although lethal at short distances, will not deliver significant exposure to test and launch crews at a distance of 1 mile. Accidental release of accummulated fission products during static testing, launch pad failure, or early mission abort would result in considerable contamination of the facilities, and extensive decontamination operations would be necessary. Impact outside the controlled area of an operated reactor, either as a result of late mission failure or re-entry from orbit, constitute a problem requiring further study. Choice of seacoast, ocean, and island-based launching sites, controlled re-entry and impact, and reactor burn-up or fission prcduct boil-off in space are possibilities. General biospheric contamination from nuclear rocket operations is an insignificant problem compared to that created by nuclear weapon tests. (D.L.C.

Radiation Safety in the Development and Use of Nuclear Energy for Rocket Propulsion

A vigorous safety program is being conducted concurrently with engineering development of prototype nuclear propulsion reactors, and some of its conclusions are discussed. The problem areas are delineated and reasonably sound predictions are presented of the potential radiation hazards of testing and flying a minimal performance system capable of producing 1000 Mw power for an operating cycle of 5 min. The reactor, although containing more U/sup 2//sup 3// sup 5/ than an atomic bomb, could not produce a significant nuclear explosion under the most drastic accident conditions. At most, the energy release would be only approximately -3% of the maximum power rating. Prompt neutron and gamma radiation during operation, although lethal at short distances, will not deliver significant exposure to test and launch crews at a distance of 1 mile. Accidental release of accummulated fission products during static testing, launch pad failure, or early mission abort would result in considerable contamination of the facilities, and extensive decontamination operations would be necessary. Impact outside the controlled area of an operated reactor, either as a result of late mission failure or re-entry from orbit, constitute a problem requiring further study. Choice of seacoast, ocean, and island-based launching sites, controlled re-entry and impact, and reactor burn-up or fission prcduct boil-off in space are possibilities. General biospheric contamination from nuclear rocket operations is an insignificant problem compared to that created by nuclear weapon tests. (D.L.C.