Space Fission Instrumentation and Control Technology Gaps

Abstract

In the very near future, NASA and private space companies will leverage nuclear reactors for space propulsion and power generation on the moon and other planets. Therefore, programs are already underway to study the vital technology to monitor, control, and ensure safe operation of these reactors in extremely harsh environments. Extreme temperatures, combined with space and nuclear radiation, and long-operational life expectancy adds complexity and drives the need to mature nuclear instrumentation and controls for the novel reactor systems. NASA and the Department of Energy are developing a roadmap to facilitate discussion across communities of instrumentation developers, reactor developers, test facilities, and modeling and simulation developers in support of this endeavor. Leveraging a government reference design (GRD), the technical specifications are defined for each nuclear system including nuclear thermal propulsion, nuclear electric propulsion, and fission surface power. The GRD is a resource to help advance the discussion on measurement locations, control mechanisms, and analyze failure modes but may not comprehensively address each requirement for every reactor developer. Building on the foundational research and literature from past programs such as Kilopower and NERVA/ROVER, these programs serve as a launching point for accelerated development, testing, and deployment. Unification of industry and the government will enable the deployment of safe and reliable space fission.