Description |
1 online resource (xi, 110 pages) |
Series |
CADRE paper, 1537-3371 ; no. 22 |
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CADRE paper ; 22.
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Contents |
1. Wither space nuclear power? -- 2. Space nuclear power as trans-scientific public policy -- 3. Political permission, the contemporary dimensions -- 4. A trans-scientific political engagement strategy -- 5. Conclusions |
Summary |
Lt Col Downey, USAFR; Wing Cdr Forestier, RAAF; and Lt Col David E. Miller, USAF, advocate a feasibility study for reactors in space and explore a deeper problem with widespread societal rejection concerning the theoretical employment of nuclear technology in space. They point first to the mission enabling advantages of nuclear reactors in space--factors like light weight, high power, long life, and potentially lower costs. They see that nuclear-powered spacecraft would serve long-range NASA missions as well as permit effective hyperspectral satellites that would have profound benefits for the Department of Defense. The limiting factors for nuclear power in space are a compelling mission requirement and broad acceptance in popular support. Many opponents either have general doubts about such an undertaking or perceive cataclysmic dangers. A failure of a space launch carrying nuclear systems would produce something on the order of a ₃dirty₄ nuclear bomb. Two things were clear to the authors. One, nuclear space developers must convince the public that they are capable of developing a safe and robust system. Two, because the political battle is primarily over perceived risks rather than empirically based understanding, employment of a values-focused decision strategy is necessary to convince the public and congressional leaders of the feasibility of a space nuclear program |
Notes |
Title from title screen (viewed March 18, 2009) |
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At head of title: College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research and Education, Air University |
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"April 2005." |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 107-110) |
Notes |
Master and use copy. Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation, December 2002. http://purl.oclc.org/DLF/benchrepro0212 MiAaHDL |
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digitized 2011 HathiTrust Digital Library committed to preserve pda MiAaHDL |
Subject |
Project SNAP.
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Space vehicles -- Nuclear power plants.
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Space vehicles -- Auxiliary power supply.
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Nuclear energy -- Public opinion
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Nuclear energy -- Government policy.
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Nuclear energy -- Government policy.
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Nuclear energy -- Public opinion.
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Project SNAP.
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Space vehicles -- Auxiliary power supply.
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Space vehicles -- Nuclear power plants.
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Form |
Electronic book
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Author |
Forestier, Anthony M
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Miller, David E., 1960-
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Air University (U.S.). Press.
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Air University (U.S.). College of Aerospace Doctrine, Research, and Education.
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ISBN |
1585661384 |
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9781585661381 |
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