METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SERVICING NUCLEAR PROPULSION SYSTEM (NPS)

FIELD: nuclear power engineering, space rocketry; power plants and propulsion systems. ^ SUBSTANCE: proposed method provides for operation of proposed nuclear propulsion system in two modes: (a) propulsion mode afforded by nuclear engine loop wherein working medium is supplied through turbine-driven pump unit to reactor, the latter is heated, and gas flows out of nozzle for throttling; (b) power generation mode in which electrical energy is produced in closed loop of system for computer-aided conversion of nuclear reactor heat energy into electricity. Propulsion mode is effected due to additional introduction of electric motor circuit in NPS. Motor is started in response to signal arriving from control system for feeding working medium to power-driven propellers. The latter provide for additional thrust and additional electrical energy is produced in power generation mode within nuclear engine loop due to using part of working medium heated in nuclear reactor and introducing additional electric generator. Working medium is supplied to turbine-driven pump unit. Spent working medium used for the purpose is returned to nuclear reactor for reuse. ^ EFFECT: enlarged functional capabilities, minimized mass and size of nuclear propulsion system. ^ 3 cl, 2 dwg