Reliability Limitations on Electronics for Nuclear Propulsion and Space Power Systems

Although a large amount of data is available on the temperature and radiation effects on electronic components, it does not contain the necessary engineering information that can be found for the more conventional space electronics design. For nuclear applications, the electronics designer needs information on a much greater number of components because of the wide range of temperature and radiation environments. A coordinated development and reliability program should be started now to assure the usefulness of nuclear propulsion and space power by providing the necessary reliable components and the engineering design information required to design the electronic equipment.