Conceptual design for a 5 kWe space nuclear reactor power system

• DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2024.04.015
• Publication Date: 2024-04-18T09:30:14Z
• Authors: Huaping Mei; Dali Yu; Shengqin Ma; Jiansong Zhang; Yongju Sun; Chao Chen; Meisheng He; Haixia Wang; Yang Li; Liang Wang; Taosheng Li; Jie Yu
• Keywords: Conceptual design; Reactor design

Enhancing the capabilities of unmanned space exploration, such as satellite monitoring and science missions, requires efficient reliable nuclear power systems. A viable solution is found in 1∼10 kWe level reactor systems, offering advantages a manageable research development process, relatively low investment requirements. This paper introduces conceptual design for 5 system, outlining its components characteristics. The study includes thorough analysis potential challenges, encompassing heat pipe failure accidents, re-entry scenarios, weight estimation considerations. results demonstrate that proposed system effectively meets safety total mass estimated at approximately 1.5 tons, with specific around 300 kg/kWe. contributes valuable insights systems operating within similar range.