Overview

Nuclear power has been an essential enabling technology for many decades, supporting missions to places where solar irradiation to provide power is not viable, such as deep space exploration far from the influence of the Sun or Mars / lunar surface where environmental conditions make solar power unreliable. Whilst the majority of use has been using radioisotopes to provide heat, some has been with small fission reactors.

Now, with the drop in the cost per kilo for launches and the renewed interest in human habitats on the surface of the Moon or Mars, there is an increased interest in a range of nuclear systems for energy in space. This talk with describe the basic technology, the history of use, and current areas of development for this important technology.

This event is for people with an interest in space exploration, nuclear technology and habitation of extreme environments.

Speaker

Tim Tinsley, Account Director – Space & Radioisotopes, Health & Nuclear Medicine, National Nuclear Lab

Tim is a Chartered chemical engineer with over 30 years international experience leading research and development projects in the highly regulated nuclear industry for domestic and international customers. The early part of his career was spent gaining technical knowledge and experience across the full nuclear fuel cycle, from fuels manufacturing and reactors thru to reprocessing and waste disposal.

In the later part of his career he has used his broad knowledge of the nuclear industry to identify and develop new opportunities. Currently his role is Account Director – Space and Radioisotopes at the National Nuclear Laboratory with responsible for the development of these areas for NNL, aligning against business strategy and providing leadership to the teams delivering against the objectives.

The material presented in this webinar has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter's own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the North Lancashire Member Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Webinar recording