[3B12-13] Advanced Reactor (Space Reactor)

[3B13] Investigation of a high performance heat-pipe cooled miniature nuclear reactor for lunar power application

*Natsumi Matsumoto¹, Dung Thi Nguyen¹, Michiya Honda¹, Takatsugu Echigo¹, Masaki Okagaki¹, Willem F.G. van Rooijen¹ (1. Univ. of Fukui)

Keywords:Lunar surface nuclear reactor, small fast reactor, nuclear design, heat pipe cooling system

As the exploration of space by humankind continues, an integrated power source for a manned moon base is desired. In this research a miniature reactor with a power of 2 MW for application on the lunar surface is investigated from the point of view of neutronic properties and total mass. The reactor proposed in this research is a miniature fast reactor cooled by heat pipes, and as fuel highly enriched and low concentration uranium nitrideis applied. The core size remains limited to several hundred liters.