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One of the challenges Gen. John P. Jumper, Chief of Staff of the
Air Force, sends to Air Force students, researchers, and staff
offices is to investigate future concepts of operations (CONOPS).
One in particular relates to this study, the CONOPS for space and
command, control, communications, computers, intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Air Force is very sensitive
about incorporating new technology into its operations. While the
authors advocate a feasibility study for reactor sin space in a
CONOPS, they also explore a deeper problem with widespread
theoretical employment of nuclear technology in space. They point
first to the mission enabling advantages of nuclear reactors in
space - factors like light weight, high power, long life, and
potentially lower costs. A reactor would supply electrical power to
a space vehicle and perhaps provide ionic or electrical propulsion.
They see that nuclear-powered spacecraft would serve long-range
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) missions as
well as permit effective hyperspectral satellites that would have
profound benefits for the Department of Defense. The limiting
factors for nuclear power in space are a compelling mission
requirement and broad acceptance in popular support. The first
factor is rather obvious but the second is driven by a broad-based
fear of risks in the employment of nuclear technology. Many have
general doubts about such an undertaking. Some opponents perceive
cataclysmic dangers. A failure of space launch carrying nuclear
systems would produce something on the order of a "dirty" nuclear
bomb. Opponents are rigorous in their protest. Two things were
clear to these researchers. One, nuclear space developers must
convince the public that they are capable of developing a safe and
robust system. Two, because the political battle is primarily over
perceived risks rather than empirically based understanding,
employment of value-focused decision strategy is necessary to
convince the public and congressional leaders of the feasibility of
a space nuclear program.
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