The Need for Nuclear Power in Space Exploration · 2018. 6. 24. · International Development •...
Transcript of The Need for Nuclear Power in Space Exploration · 2018. 6. 24. · International Development •...
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Nuclear Power in Space ExplorationNuclear Power in Space Exploration
and theand the
Associated Environmental Safeguards:Associated Environmental Safeguards:
A Preliminary OverviewA Preliminary Overview
by
Michael D. Campbell, P.G., P.H.Chair, Uranium Committee
Energy Minerals Division, AAPG andMember of the Astrogeology Committee, AAPG
andManaging Partner
M. D. Campbell and Associates, L.P.Houston and Seattle
Presented as Featured Speaker at the Houston Geological Society, Environmental and Engineering Geology Group Dinner.
Houston, TexasJanuary 20, 2009
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Investigation ParticipantsInvestigation Participants
A Report of the Uranium Committee of the Energy Minerals Division, AAPG
by
Michael D. Campbell, P.G., P.H., (Chair)Houston
Jeffery D. King, P.G. (Associate)Seattle
Henry M. Wise, P.G. (Member)Houston
Bruce N. Handley, P.G. (Member)Houston
M. David Campbell, P.G. (Associate)Houston
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Uranium Committee Report* OutlineUranium Committee Report* Outline
Introduction ……………………………………..
Satellites …………………………………………
Lunar-Solar or Lunar-Nuclear Power …………
Spacecraft Propulsion …………………………..
Planet-Based Power Systems ……...
Earth-Based Power Systems ………
Environmental Safeguards in Orbit ……………..
Other Environmental Considerations in Space ...
International Development
The Nuclear Genie is Out of the Bottle ………….
Research and Development: …………………….Small Earth-Based NPSs …………………
Direct-Conversion Systems ……………
Problems to be Solved …………………………..
Off-World Mining: ………………………………
The Debate on a Lunar or Mars Base …
Mining Asteroids ………………………
The Space Elevator ……………………………..
Near-Earth Asteroids and Comets …....................
Earth-Based Spin Off from Space Research ….
Conclusions ……………………………………...
Acknowledgements ………………………………
References (with links) ……………………………
* Note: The full report will be released after the 2009 AAPG-EMD Conference in Denver, Co., dated: June 7-10
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Outline for this PresentationOutline for this Presentation
• Spacecraft Propulsion Planet-Based Power Systems Earth-Based Power Systems
• Environmental Safeguards in Orbit
• International Development: The Nuclear Genie is Out of the Bottle
• World Uranium Occurrences
• Dual Objectives: Using Nuclear Power also to Explore for Uranium, Thorium, and Special Commodities
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Outline for this PresentationOutline for this Presentation
• Off-World Mining
The Debate on Lunar Mining
Mining Asteroids
The “Space Elevator”
The “Space Tractor”
• Earth-Based Spin Off from Space Research
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Source of Energy in SpaceSource of Energy in Space
• Spacecraft Propulsion Planet-Based Power Systems Earth-Based Power Systems
Electrical Systems• Batteries
• Solar Cells
• Nuclear Power– Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators
– Thermoelectric Generators
– Radioisotope Heater Units
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After: IAEA (2005)
Source of Energy in SpacSource of Energy in Space
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Propulsion in SpacePropulsion in Space
• Chemical (Standard Rocket Propulsion)– Solid
– Liquid
• Kerosene/Oxygen
• Hydrogen/Oxygen
• Hydrozene/Oxygen
NASA
NASA
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Propulsion in SpacePropulsion in Space
• Electrical (Ion Propulsion)– Chemical
• Batteries
• Fuel Cell
– Solar
– Nuclear
• Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators
• Thermoelectric Generators
• The higher the electrical output, the higher the thrust
Homer
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(after IAEA 2005)
Chemical Propulsion vs. Nuclear PropulsionChemical Propulsion vs. Nuclear Propulsion
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(Reddy, 2008)
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Environmental SafeguardsEnvironmental Safeguards
• Nuclear power to be used only in a stable orbit or in interplanetary space ….recent developments.
• Fuel is heat-resistant ceramic plutonium oxide:
– Reduces chances of vaporization by fire or re-entry
– Highly insoluble
– Fractures into large pieces
• Fuel has its own heat shield and impact casing to reduce chance of release in case of accident.
• Reactor will remain subcritical if immersed in fluids such as water or fuel.
• Two independent systems to reduce reactivity to a subcritical state and not subject to a common failure mode.
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International DevelopmentInternational Development
• The genie is out of the bottle
• Space programs in 20 countries and the European Union:
– Solar and fuel cells are sufficient for earth orbit and the inner planets– Nuclear power needed for the outer planets
• Most programs are communication, weather and surveillance
• U.S., Russia, and China have manned space programs
• China is planning to establish a mining base on the Moon
• India, Korea, and others have space programs under way
• Lunar bases will utilize nuclear power for long-term use and
• Solar power may also play a significant role.
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IAEA (2008)
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Exploration Objectives in the Solar System: 1Exploration Objectives in the Solar System: 1stst –– The MoonThe Moon
• Uranium
• Thorium
• Special Commodities
• Rare Earths
• Metals
• Helium-3
NASA
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Primary NuclearPrimary Nuclear--Fuel Resources on EarthFuel Resources on Earth
Cenozoic Deposits
Wyoming (Roll-Fronts- Developed by In Situ Methods)
Nebraska (Roll-Fronts – Developed by In Situ Methods)
South Dakota (Roll-Fronts – Developed by In-Situ Methods)
Texas (Roll-Fronts- Developed by In Situ Methods)
Kazakhstan (Roll-Fronts- Developed by In Situ Methods)
Uzbekistan (Roll-Fronts- Developed by In Situ Methods)
Australia (Roll-Fronts- Developed by In Situ Methods)
Mesozoic Deposits
Canada Western (Mining Only)
Canada Eastern (In Situ and Surface Mining Methods)
Colorado Redistributed Roll-Fronts – In Situ Methods & Surface Mining Methods)
New Mexico Redistributed Roll-Fronts – In Situ & Surface & Underground Mining Methods)
Paleozoic Deposits
Arizona (Developed by Surface Mining Methods)
Niger (Surface Mining)
Proterozoic Deposits
Canada (Surface and Underground Mining)
Australia (Surface Mining)
Guyana (Surface and Underground Mining)
Gabon (Surface and Underground Mining)
Namibia (Surface and Underground Mining)
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(After Kesler, 1994)
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IAEA (2008)
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Now
?
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Commodities Presently Imported to U.S.Commodities Presently Imported to U.S.
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NearNear--Earth Asteroids and CometsEarth Asteroids and Comets
• Monitoring Near-Earth Asteroids (NEAs) and Comets
• The Moon can be a base for monitoring NEAs
• Remote sensing satellites inside Venus’s orbit
• Ways to move NEAs away from collisions with earth
• Nuclear power will be used to power most of these
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Defense of Earth ?Defense of Earth ?
• Improved Monitoring NEAs,
• Telescopes on Moon or
in Orbit.
• Respond with Robotics:
“Gravity Tractor” or other
Equipment.
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“Gravity Tractor” “Gravity Tractor”
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OffOff--World MiningWorld Mining
• Mining on Moon, Mars, etc.
• Mining Near-Earth Asteroids and Comets
• The “Space Tractor” (Manages Threats to Earth)
• The Space Elevator (Reduces “Lifting” Costs)
• Off-World Mining Preferable to Mining on Earth?
• When Will it Make Sense?
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Lunar ExplorationLunar Exploration
• Lunar Prospector (1998)
– Mapped surface Indications of key elements
• H, U, Th, K, O, Si, Mg, Fe, Ti, Al, Ca, H2O
• Additional mapping to be conducted
– Ni, Co, Samarium, other rare-earth elements
– Structural geology
– Confirmation of earlier aerial photography, aerial geophysical, and remote sensing
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Lunar Apollo Exploration Lunar Apollo Exploration –– Phase I Phase I –– 1960s1960s--1970s1970s
Copernicus
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Lunar Apollo Exploration Lunar Apollo Exploration –– Phase I Phase I –– 1960s1960s--1970s1970s
NASA
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The Last Geologist on the Moon (William “Jack” Schmitt)
Apollo 17, 1972 (NASA Photo)
Apollo 17 - Reconnaissance Site 16
Lunar Sampling
NASA
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Lunar Apollo Exploration Lunar Apollo Exploration –– Phase I Phase I –– 1960s1960s--1970s1970s
NASA
Apollo 17 - Reconnaissance Site 13
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Lunar Exploration Lunar Exploration –– Phase I Phase I –– 1960s1960s--1970s1970s
NASA
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Lunar South PoleLunar South Pole
Deep Shadows
Water Ice?
NASA
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Back Side of MoonBack Side of Moon
Maria
NASA
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Deep Shadows
Water Ice?
Aristarchus
Tycho
Copernicus
Langrenus
Mare Imbrium
Oceanus ProcellarumMare Tranquillitatis
Mare Serenitatis
Plato
Apollo 11 Site
Common Lunar Sites Common Lunar Sites
NASA
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Anomalous Th
From Elphic, et al., 2000.
Copernicus Crater
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(Skinner and Gadis, 2008)
Copernicus CraterCopernicus Crater
USGS Geologic Map of the Moon
I-515 – Aristarchus – 1967 – Schmitt, Trask, and Shoemaker Approx. 30 miles
N
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Highland AreaHighland Area
ofof
Thorium AnomaliesThorium Anomalies
USGS Geologic Map of the Moon
I-355 Kepler -1962 - Hackman Approx. 30 milesN
Kepler Crater
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Anomalous Sm
From Elphic, et al., 2000.
Copernicus Crater
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HighlandHighland Area of Area of
Samarium AnomaliesSamarium Anomalies
USGS Geologic Map of the Moon
I-465 – Aristarchus – 1965 - MooreApprox. 30 miles
N
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HeliumHelium--3 Resources in the Maria3 Resources in the Maria
Copernicus
Tyco
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Mining on the MoonMining on the Moon
(Courtesy of Popular Mechanics)
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Analogues from Earth?Analogues from Earth?
Oklo Deposit Oklo Deposit -- GabonGabon
Proterozoic
Reactions Dated at 1.6 Billion Years
Natural ?
USGS
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Natural Nuclear Reactors ?Natural Nuclear Reactors ?
Oklo Deposit Oklo Deposit -- GabonGabon
Significance?
• Mineralization may have analogues off-world.
• Would leave radioactivity behind…”breadcrumbs” to find in the Solar System.
USGS
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Mars is Beginning to Show Some PromiseMars is Beginning to Show Some Promise
Angular Unconformity in Victoria Crater?
NASA
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Bedding on Mars
Volcanics ?
CO2 or Ice ?
USGS
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Mars is Beginning to Show Some PromiseMars is Beginning to Show Some Promise
Carbonates mean H20 may be present…
Yellow – Banded Olivine-bearing Rocks
Blue – Fe-Mg Smectites
Green – Alteration of olivine by
interation with H2O to form
carbonate.
NASA
NASA
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Valles Marineris
Volcanics? Organics?
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Mapping of Mars ImprovingMapping of Mars Improving
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Methane on Mars: Biological or Geochemical?Methane on Mars: Biological or Geochemical?
Cross Section of Mountain
Pathways of CH4
Heat Source: Volcanic?
CH4
High CH4
• Seasonal
• North and South Hemispheres
NASA
Valles Marineris
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Methane on Mars: Biological or Geochemical?Methane on Mars: Biological or Geochemical?
Cross Section of Mountain
Pathways of CH4
Heat Source: Volcanic?
CH4
NASA
Significance? Could be indication that Earth-type mineralization is possible on Mars
and on other bodies in Solar System.
Water Table ?
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USGS Gas Hydrate Research
Analogues from Earth?Analogues from Earth?
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USGS Gas Hydrate Research
Analogues from Earth?Analogues from Earth?
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NASA
Even Water ?Even Water ?
NASA
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Mining AsteroidsMining Asteroids
• Asteroid Types
M – Metal Type
• Iron, Nickel, Cobalt, Platinum-Group
C – Carbonaceous Chondrite
• Hydrated Minerals
S – Stony Type
• Iron and Magnesium Silicates
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M – Metal Type
S – Stony Type
Iron, Nickel, Cobalt, Platinum-Group
Iron and Magnesium Silicates
NASA
NASA
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The economic and technical requirements are:
1. A market for the products produced and delivered,
2. Adequate spectral data indicating presence of the
desired materials,
3. Orbital parameters give reasonable accessibility and
mission duration,
4. Feasible concepts for mining & processing,
5. Feasible retrieval concepts, and
6. Positive economic Net Present Value, using appropriate
geological and engineering concepts.
What about the Economics of Mining in Space?What about the Economics of Mining in Space?
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What about the Economics of Mining in Space?What about the Economics of Mining in Space?
After Sonter, (1998)
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New Ways to Achieve a Stable Orbit.New Ways to Achieve a Stable Orbit.
• Need to Reduce Lifting Costs by Heavy Rockets: Present Cost is about $10,000 per Pound of Payload into Stable Orbit.
• Scram-Jet Space Planes, Lunar Catapults, etc. being Evaluated.
• Other Approaches Available but Untested.
• Favorable Science and Engineering Environments Present in Various Countries Interested in Space…China, India, Russia, etc.
• All Efforts Requires Political Will and the Funds to Support Them.
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Orbital Achievement with Payloads
Lunar Catapults for
Return Flight Carrying
Products Back to Earth
NASA
NASA
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Leading the List: The “Space Elevator”Leading the List: The “Space Elevator”
• The “Space Elevator”
• Conferences, including Boeing, Lockheed, Microsoft, etc.
• Carbon nanotube technology has lead to stronger materials that are strong and flexible enough for the elevator’s requirements.
• Nuclear power will be utilized to power the electric motors.
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NASA
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NASA
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Direct Benefit to Date?Direct Benefit to Date?
EarthEarth--Based Spin Off from Space ResearchBased Spin Off from Space Research
• Best Example: Hyperion Power Generation, Inc.
• Transportable “Pocket” Nuclear Power Plant
• $20-30 Million each
• 25 MWe - Electricity for 20,000 U.S. Residents or energy
during and after disasters, or provide power for
remote mining operations.
• 30 years life
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NASA
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or ?
Into Space or ?Into Space or ?
xxx