Nuclear Science: More Planning Needed to Support Future Needs for
Electric Power in Space (Letter Report, 10/07/93, GAO/RCED-94-6).

The Energy Department (DOE) builds radioisotope thermoelectric
generators to produce electricity for use in deep space and remote
terrestrial areas.  The power systems have been critical to both the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Defense Department
missions for more than 30 years. DOE is considering moving its generator
operations from its Mound Plant in Ohio to a new facility being built at
the Hanford Reservation in Washington.  This report answers the
following questions: Where does DOE plan to assemble generators in the
future? How much would it cost to overhaul the Mound Plant facility to
make it suitable for long-term generator assembly? How will DOE address
previously cited public safety concerns about Mound doing nuclear work
in a residential area? How much money has DOE spent to modify Hanford's
Fuels and Materials Examination facility in preparation for the assembly
of generators, and how much will it cost to complete this changeover?

--------------------------- Indexing Terms -----------------------------

 REPORTNUM:  RCED-94-6
     TITLE:  Nuclear Science: More Planning Needed to Support Future 
             Needs for Electric Power in Space
      DATE:  10/07/93
   SUBJECT:  Nuclear powerplants
             Electric power generation
             Cost analysis
             Future budget projections
             Aerospace research
             Energy research
             Nuclear facility safety
             Facility repairs
             Repair costs
             Production engineering
IDENTIFIER:  DOE Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
             NASA Cassini Saturn Probe Program
             
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