A Waverider Application of an Advanced Nuclear Power Source

The development of an aerodynamic vehicle (waverider) for interplanetary trajectories would include the application of an advanced Radioisotope Power Source (RPS) for power. The RPS would supply power during interplanetary cruise as well as during the planetary atmospheric passes that are part of the Aero‐Gravity Assist (AGA) interplanetary trajectory. The operational systems of the spacecraft would be enclosed within the waverider airframe structure, including the RPS units to protect the components from the extreme thermal environment encountered during the atmospheric passes. The waverider operates by riding on its own hypersonic shock on its lower surface. This surface must survive the extreme operational temperatures during an atmospheric pass. However, the upper surface of the waverider remains relatively cool and would be the location of the thermal radiator for the RPS that would be mounted within the spacecraft structure. It is this remote relationship between the RPS and its radiator that makes ...