This publication provides details of a variety of radioisotope power systems, shows in what circumstances they surpass other power systems, and provides the history of the space missions in which they have been employed. The book also summarizes the use of on-board reactors and the testing done on reactor rocket thrusters as well as provides a review of current technology, a consideration of future applications and a bibliography of further information on space nuclear technology. This publication also attempts to identify those R&D areas where space related nuclear power systems can be of practical relevance to efforts in innovative reactor and fuel cycle technology development that are currently being pursued within various international collaboration frameworks.
