Space Technology And Applications International Forum 2002

The proceedings document the most recent publications in a number of key areas of space technology, space nuclear power and propulsion systems and technology, solar system exploration technology, and advanced an innovative propulsion concepts. The technical areas covered are the latest on the thermophysics in microgravity, space nuclear reactor power and propulsion systems for manned exploration of Mars and other distant planets in the solar system, static energy conversion technology on segmented thermoelectric, thermionic, alkali metals as well as thermal to electric conversion. Additional areas include radioisotope power systems, and the recent advances in the technology of Stirling and Brayton engines for space nuclear power and propulsion, and next generation commerical/civil space transportation systems technology.