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At the bottom of this image is the Moon’s surface, and the top containing black space with stars. In the top, left corner of the image is an atom – the 3 electron ellipses are colors of blue, green, and purple, and at varying places on the ellipses there are whitish-yellow bursts of light symbolizing electrons. The center of the atom has a whitish-yellow burst of light representing the nucleus. There are also purple-colored swirls in and around the atom representing lots of energy. In the top right area of the image is Mars. On the Moon’s surface there is a deployed Fission Surface Power (FSP) system. The largest FSP element is in the center foreground of the image in the bottom of a crater – it has a very tall radiator extending vertical up into space. There is a long cable connecting that element to the second element which is further in the distance, then there is another very, long cable connecting the second element to a habitat that is far off into the distance. And finally, there is a space nuclear propulsion system that appears to be zipping across the Moon’s horizon on its way to Mars. The image also contains embedded text containing the workshop name, theme, dates, and location that are duplicated on the event page content.

NASA Fission Instrumentation and Controls Workshop

Join us for our inaugural 2024 workshop taking place at the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), 22800 Cedar Point Road, Cleveland, OH 44142, adjacent to NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

Theme: “Pushing the Boundaries of Fission Power and Propulsion Instrumentation and Controls – With an Eye to Space”

Background
Objectives
Interested in Presenting a “Walk-on” Topic?
Registration
Contact

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Background

NASA is leading efforts to conduct a technology demonstration mission of a 40 kWe lunar Fission Surface Power (FSP) system and to advance Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) technologies. The SNP technologies would enable faster and more robust transportation for crew and cargo missions to Mars and science missions to the outer solar system, while the FSP system supports long-duration human habitation and scientific research on the moon and Mars.

The instrumentation and control (I&C) technologies that will enable mission success will be compact (reduced form factor), multi-sensing (integrated functionalities to reduce volume and weight), radiation hardened for in-core and ex-core placements, long-lasting (FSP has a 10-year operational life), and high temperature durable. Among the most daunting of these challenges is the fact that failed I&C components on these reactors will not be able to be maintained or replaced. Therefore, from the standpoint of compactness, reliability, and robustness, current I&C technologies are not suitable for mission deployment.

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Objectives

This is an in-person workshop with three objectives: 

  1. Develop a compendium of the state-of-the-art and emerging I&C technologies.
  2. Identify the cross-cutting technology gaps/needs that prevent their deployment to meet FSP and SNP missions.
  3. Build connections between the projects/programs.

The workshop will include discussions on specific technology topics (sensors, electronics, actuators, test facilities) while addressing and documenting the following:  

  • What are the lessons learned from previous space nuclear projects/programs?
  • What are the challenges and opportunities associated with extending the state-of-the-art and emerging I&C technologies to SNP and FSP?
  • What are the state-of-the-art I&C technologies that meet the notional FSP/SNP specifications?
  • What are the fundamental physics of the I&C?
  • In what ways are the I&C susceptible to radiation and thermal degradation?
  • Identify and quantify the Technology Readiness Levels of these technologies, relative to notional FSP/SNP specifications.
  • Identify and capture the technology gaps and challenges that must be overcome to meet notional FSP/SNP specifications.
  • Recommended reliability protocols.

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Interested in Presenting a “Walk-on” Topic?

The workshop’s Planning Committee is strongly encouraging members of industry and academia to please respond “Yes” to sharing a “walk-on” presentation.  Your participation is crucial for our Collective Success!

Proposed ‘walk-on’ presentations are an option on the registration form.  Please note that not all “walk-on” presentations are guaranteed a time slot and may be limited, due to the number received.

‘Walk-on’ presenters will be required to submit a PowerPoint presentation, once they receive NASA Fission Instrumentation and Controls Workshop committee approval.

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Registration

Registration is open. Registration closes on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 11:59pm EST.

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Industry and Academia: your participation and state-of-the-art knowledge in nuclear reactor technology and the challenges associated with reactor instrumentation and controls are needed to cross this threshold for All to Succeed!

Daily Agenda Overview

Day 1 – Tuesday, August 20, 2024

  • Presentations and discussions on technology topics (sensors, electronics, actuators, test facilities).

Day 2 – Wednesday, August 21, 2024

  • “Walk-on” presentations; Break-out working sessions to document (technologies and gaps/needs, gap closure strategies, projected timeframe to close gaps).

Day 3 – Thursday, August 22, 2024 (Optional)

  • Glenn Research Center tours (half day, morning only).
  • Visit FSP/SNP Instrumentation and Controls related facilities, 50 people maximum.

Guest Access

Guest access to NASA Glenn Research Center requires identity verification. NASA civil servant and contractor (Personal Identity Verification (PIV)) badges will allow access to Glenn Research Center. Guests must show valid government-issued, photo identification.

Lunch Information

Participants have an optional lunch selection for Days 1 and 2 that require pre-payment (~$20.00 each day). Specific lunch information will be available soon.

NASA Tax Exemption Certificate

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Contact

Fission Surface Power (FSP) Project

Project Integration Lead
Teresa (Terri) M. Benko
Email Icon teresa.m.benko@nasa.gov
Phone Icon 216-433-2276

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