Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

Implementation Time
6.145
With the space disposal mission currently in the concept definition and evaluation phase,
meaningful predictions of the initial operational date are not possible. However, the pre-
sent DOE/NASA concept depends on the availability of an OTV and the Uprated Space Shuttle
that have not been developed. This space disposal system could be operational possibly by
the year 2000. Major sequential outputs that could be derived from conceptual studies are:
* Identification of viable alternative space systems concepts
* Identification of viable nuclear waste system concepts
* Selection of preferred concepts
* Selection of baseline concept
* Completion of baseline concept definition
* Generation of development plan
Estimated Development Costs
Development costs would depend largely on the specific space option approved. Also, once
that option was defined, ongoing work oriented to other Shuttle and waste disposal options
could be refocused on space disposal requirements. Examples are deep space rendezvous and
docking techniques and waste form technology development. This would identify the incre-
mental Shuttle and waste isolation program costs attributable to space disposal.
Thus, funding requirements for development of the space disposal option have not been
well defined. It would generally be assumed that NASA would undertake the development of the
required space components and DOE would develop the waste technology if the concept was pur-
sued. It assumed that the approach would be on an incremental basis. This work would
include R&D and identification of design development requirements for nuclear waste systems
and space systems for disposal, domestic/international affairs studies, and impact assess-
ments. The studies would provide a cost basis for further programmatic decision making.
Summary
Major uncertainties, shortcomings, and advantages of the concept are summarized below:
* The concept does not permit ready corrective action.
* The concept is susceptible to single mode (launch pad) failure, unless well-engineered
multiple barriers are developed to protect the waste.
* Significant technology advances and equipment development will be required.
* Waste form and package concept development are in a very preliminary stage.
* The concepts usefulness would be limited to waste from reprocessing or further
limited to selected isotopes.