CX-017196: National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Idaho National Laboratory Transient and Irradiation Testing for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Fuels Development and Qualification

The purpose of Phase I of the proposed action is to determine the feasibility of developing a simplified first test (SIRIUS-1) to study National Aeronautics and Space Administration Nuclear Thermal Propulsion fuel specimens at peak design operating temperatures when subjected to a prototypical start up ramp rate. To determine experiment feasibility, Idaho National Laboratory will perform conceptual design for an irradiation test vehicle and experiment life-cycle planning. Phase I activities will be performed at Idaho National Laboratory's Engineering Research Office Building, the Materials and Fuels Complex, subcontracted fabrication facilities if necessary, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration facilities in Huntsville, Alabama and Washington, D.C.