��TIMELINE FOR IMMEDIATE MOON EXPEDITIONS: �A NUCLEAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
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AGENDA FOR THE PRESENTATION
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BIO
This project investigates the feasibility and performance of compact nuclear power systems for long‐duration space missions and orbital platforms. Focusing on small modular reactors—such as the Kilopower design, combined with lunar infrastructure projects such as the lunar gateway, and advanced thermal‐to‐electric conversion technologies (e.g., Stirling engines and Brayton turbines), the study will focus on timelines, outcomes, and opportunities for future developments. Much of the need for nuclear in space comes from establishing a sustainable lunar presence requires a reliable and continuous power source to support life support systems, scientific experiments, and construction activities. Nuclear power can provide this and allow for further development of energy stability in space exploration.
Other considerations and discussions are budgetary concerns, safety for nuclear systems on a space systems, and launch‐vehicle limitations. Key metrics such as specific power (w/kg), conversion efficiency, and system lifetime will be evaluated. The project also examines integration strategies for station‐keeping, recharge cycles, and redundancy to ensure reliable operation in low‐earth orbit, lunar outposts, and deep‐space trajectories. Outcomes will guide design recommendations for next‐generation space nuclear power units, offering a pathway to sustainable, high‐energy platforms/reactors beyond chemical propulsion limits.
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B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington
Currently pursuing Master's degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington and Astronautical Engineering from USC.
Strong interest in aerospace technologies, propulsion systems, orbital mechanics, and energy efficiency in engineering applications. Passionate about advancing space exploration and sustainability in aerospace engineering.
Michael Cook
ABSTRACT
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WHY NUCLEAR?
Continuous, Reliable Power
Incredibly High Energy Density
Relatively Low Weight Based On Energy Density
Relatively Low Size For Power Output
Sustained High Power Operations
BRIEF HISTORY
SNAP-10A (systems for nuclear auxiliary power, aka SNAPSHOT) was developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s by atomics international under the U.S. Atomic energy commission to provide compact, reliable power sources for space applications. SNAP-10A was specified in 1961 to deliver roughly 500 W of electrical power via thermoelectric converters driven by a 30 kw fission reactor core.
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TOPAZ-II was of Soviet design in space‐based thermionic reactor technology, beginning in the late 1960s under the Central Design Bureau for Machine Building (KB-M) and the Kurchatov Institute, seeking to leverage thermionic converters for long‐lived spacecraft power.
The NERVA (Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application) program grew out of Project Rover, initiated in the 1950s at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory under the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to explore nuclear thermal propulsion for military applications.
Artistic rendering of SNAP-10A
TOPAZ-II
Diagram and cutout of the XE-Prime engine
Nuclear energy in space applications is not a new, novel concept. Nuclear systems have already been developed and successfully tested in several different countries and continues to power some existing systems.
However, due to the intense political climate around nuclear in space, much of the funding and original planning has been put on the sidelines.
NUCLEAR POWER FOR SPACE STATIONS: KILOPOWER AND SUPPORTING LUNAR GATEWAY
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NASA'S KILOPOWER PROJECT
Small Nuclear Reactors
The Kilopower project focuses on developing small, lightweight nuclear reactors for space missions. It works by using a heat pipe to cool a small modular reactor and then using a Stirling engine to convert the heat into electricity.
Successfully tested at the Nevada National Security Site, it demonstrated 10 kW of safe, reliable heat. These reactors are intended to provide a reliable power source for long-duration missions, crucial for sustaining human activities on the Moon and Mars.
The system is a self-contained reaction, meaning no chance of a runaway reaction leading to a meltdown. Due to the passive heat rejection and core assembly, overheating and meltdown associated with this reactor due not occur. Without any moving parts, the reaction simply stops, as the neutrons can no longer continue the reaction process.
Kilopower aims to enhance human exploration by enabling more sustained and complex operations on extraterrestrial surfaces. As we purse deeper into space, we will need a continued source reliable energy.
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LUNAR GATEWAY: WHAT IS IT, AND HOW DOES NUCLEAR ENERGY SUPPORT IT?
The Lunar Gateway is a planned space station in orbit around the Moon. It's part of NASA's Artemis program, aimed at facilitating a sustainable long-term human presence on the Moon and serving as a staging point for further space exploration, including missions to Mars. The Gateway will function as a multi-purpose outpost orbiting the Moon that provides essential support for long-term human return to the lunar surface and as a hub for scientific research and technology demonstrations.
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Integrating nuclear power into the Lunar Gateway's design could thus play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of long-term lunar exploration and beyond, providing a stable and robust platform for advancing human activities in space. Some of the support generated by the Kilopower system in the Lunar Gateway are:
PROJECT TIMELINES
Year 1: Project Initiation and Planning
Year 2: Detailed Design and Development, Ground (Earth) Testing
Year 3: Flight trial runs (prototype flight), planning, installment as backup
Year 4: Full Deployment and Initial Operation
Year 5: Systems Fully online, data collection, reviews and lessons learned, next steps
FUTURE PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
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CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS
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FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES
Lunar and Martian Base Developments
Lunar and Martian bases need substantial energy for life support, habitation, and various operations to sustain human life. Nuclear is currently the only technology available to us that can both meet the demand and be feasible within immediate timelines. In the case of lunar caves and lave tubes, solar is no longer a consistent energy source, but combined with nuclear energy and the enhanced physical protection from the caves, nuclear could be an enticing option.
Propulsion Supported by Nuclear
Nuclear reactors can heat propellants to extremely high temperatures, provide specific impulses greater than that of current chemical engines, thus reducing flight times, providing greater ranges, and continued exploration.
Advanced Technology, on Earth and Beyond
As the technology created to support space systems grows, both interstellar and on planetary objects, we can expect to see continued improvements in efficiency, safety, and applicability. With nuclear being used in space, some of these benefits will only naturally come to assist those still on Earth.
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CONCLUSION
Revolutionizing Space Exploration
Nuclear power can provide a sustainable energy source for long-duration space missions, enabling deeper exploration of the cosmos.
Sustainability on Extraterrestrial Bases
Utilizing nuclear power can support sustainable habitats on moons or planets, ensuring human survival and resource utilization.
Addressing Challenges and Opening Possibilities
To harness nuclear power effectively, we must overcome technical and safety challenges in space environments, which provide unique opportunities both in space and at home.
REFERENCES
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/stmd/tech-demo-missions-program/kilopower-hmqzw/
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20180005435/downloads/20180005435.pdf
https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Nuclear_Power_In_Space_999.html
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2016/ph241/craddock2/