SP-100 projected flight experiments

Preliminary planning is underway for a flight experiment to validate the readiness of the SP-100 space nuclear power system for future TOD and NASA missions. The experimental plan includes operating a 30 kilowatt power system from six to twelve months in space. Several startup and shutdown cycles will be performed. In addition, it is planned to integrate the power system with an ammonia arcjet to demonstrate high power electric propulsion performance for orbit-raising and maneuver. This will lead to a new era of higher levels of satellite power systems and increased space transportation efficiency. 13 refs