Energy storage device. Sodium-sulfur batteries are used to supply a short term burst power in the 10s of MW. The batteries are maintained at a temperature of 350°C during standby and are allowed to increase to 625°C to during operation. Panels are opened during or after operation and the batteries are allowed to radiate to outer space. Summarizing Remarks The work to date on advanced space power concepts has highlighted several important areas. The first being that a tremendous amount of long life power can be packaged in a small, and relatively light weight package, on the order of a 1000 or so kilograms (the reactor only). Secondly, power conditioning is a technology area where there is potential for great weight savings. There is a significant variance in the weights of power conditioning systems studied and proposed to date, indicating that the best solution is yet to be found. The third area highlighted is that closed cycle systems remain heavy with respect to equivalent power open cycle systems, primarily due to the heat rejection systems. The programs now under way within DOE, SDIO and NASA are addressing these issues as they relate to specific missions and all indications are that advanced nuclear power systems will have a very important role in future space programs.
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