Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/31/2024
1:55 pm - 2:55 pm
Location
Rhines 125
Categories
Abstract
From the inception of nuclear systems for flight with Project Rover in 1955, the desire to harness the massive power from fission to explore the universe has driven every generation of nuclear rockets.
This seminar will provide an introduction to the legacy systems of NERVA/ROVER to JIMO in the early 2000s, the current DRACO and Fission Surface Power initiatives, and the programs on the near horizon using space fission systems. Legacy systems will be shown as laying the groundwork for the current generation of nuclear thermal propulsion systems. The current status, technology maturation, and operational flight performance of the DRACO system will be discussed. Future systems based on the successful first flight of DRACO will be introduced within the overall scope of the ARTEMIS program architecture.
Bio
Michael Savela
Neutronics Lead for Space Reactors
BWXT Advanced Technologies
Michael Savela is a 2002 graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in nuclear engineering before pursuing a master’s degree under Professor Tulenko, also at UF. He spent 17 years in commercial nuclear power with Framatome doing core design, thermal analysis, and plant safety development before moving into the Advance Applications group. While there, he worked on the First of Kind programs in HGTRs, methods development, and new fuel concepts. In 2021 he moved to BWXT to take the lead neutronic role for nuclear thermal propulsion for programs such as ARDP, HLS, and DRACO.