新一代空间核动力及推进技术的突破，将颠覆空间探测任务的样式。目前美国、俄罗斯加速了空间核动力系统的研发进程，相关技术处于世界领先地位。梳理了空间核动力系统基本分类和典型应用场景，综述了美俄空间核动力技术的发展历程及现状，并分析了美俄空间核动力技术的发展态势。结果表明，与冷战时期相比，未来空间探测任务对核动力系统的功率、灵活性、可靠性和安全性等提出了新的要求；美国、俄罗斯均高度重视空间核动力技术的发展，但发展战略和技术路线均存在差异，美国以下一代太空能力建设和深空探测项目为牵引，全面开展同位素电池、空间反应堆、核热推进系统、核电推进系统的研发；俄罗斯基于自身核电推进技术优势，重点发展核电推进飞船项目，意图以有限的资源投入保持自身太空领域竞争力。
Breakthroughs of next-generation space nuclear power and propulsion technology will completely change the style of future space exploration missions. At present, the United States and Russia have accelerated their research and development processes of space nuclear power systems to keep their leading positions. This article outlines the classification and application scenarios of space nuclear power systems, summarizes the technology development processes and strategies of the US and Russia. Furthermore, the development trend of space nuclear power is analyzed. The results indicate that compared to the Cold War era, future space exploration missions have put forward new requirements for the power, flexibility, reliability, and safety of the nuclear power systems. The US and Russia attach great importance to the development of space nuclear power technology but there are differences in development strategies and technological routes. The US is conducting comprehensive research and development on radioisotope thermo-electric generator, space reactors, nuclear thermal propulsion systems, and nuclear electric propulsion systems, all driven by next-generation space capability development and deep space exploration projects. Russia, on the other hand, focuses on developing nuclear power propulsion spacecraft projects, taking its own advantages in nuclear power propulsion technology, with the intention of maintaining its competitiveness in the space field with limited resource investment.
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