The new NASA policy document was issued by Acting Administrator Sean Duffy, received a positive response from industry representatives, who consider the plans to speed up the development of a nuclear reactor for the moon to be ambitious, but feasible. Document, which was first reported by Politico has not been officially released by NASA.
The directive directs NASA's Research Systems Development Office (Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate) announce a request for proposals (RFP) for the nuclear reactor system during 60 days and select two companies six months later for initial research, with the possibility of choosing one artist after a preliminary review of the design. The goal of the program is to develop a reactor with a capacity of at least 100 kW and weighing up to 15 tons, ready to run at the end 2029 year.
Although NASA has not officially announced the plan, Duffy raised the issue at a US Department of Transportation press conference, where he holds the primary position of Minister of Transport. He emphasized, that nuclear energy is necessary to support life on the moon, because solar energy is not efficient enough due to the two-week lunar nights.
Plan directives, including schedule, power level, the number of contracts and the use of public-private partnerships through Space Act Agreements, corresponds to one version of the Idaho Laboratory report (INL) from July, called "Chessmaster's Gambit". This option involves the development of two demonstration nuclear systems to 2030 year with capacity from 10 to 100 kW.
Feasibility assessment
Industry representatives, including Alex Gilbert of Zeno Power, consider the goals achievable if sufficient resources are available. Progress in preliminary studies, such as smaller surface power systems for the Moon and the canceled DRACO program (NASA and DARPA), confirms the technical possibility. Gilbert noted, that the key challenge is the availability of low-enriched highly enriched uranium (GO AWAY), but to 2030 2015, the supply chain must be improved through collaboration with the US Department of Energy and the private sector.
Kerry Timmons of Lockheed Martin noted, that advances in materials science, production maturity and high-temperature materials make the technology ready for integration into space vehicles. Previous programs have experienced difficulties due to technological issues, political and programmatic changes, but modern competition, in particular, the plans of China and Russia, adds urgency.
Development of a 100-kilowatt reactor is more difficult, than scaling smaller systems (to 40 kW), due to differences in temperatures and materials. The directive specifies the use of a closed Brayton cycle energy conversion system, which is more efficient for higher powers compared to the Stirling cycle and can be the basis for higher power systems.
Challenges: labor force, regulation and budget
Timmons emphasized the need for a sufficient number of qualified personnel. Lockheed Martin works with nuclear companies, such as BWXT and SpaceNukes, to provide expertise. Gilbert supported the idea of choosing two companies to compete, which provides a backup option in case of failure of one executor.
The regulatory environment remains a challenge. Memorandum of the President of the USA No. 20 dated 2019 of the year establishes an effective approach to the regulation of nuclear systems in space, but it has not yet been fully applied. Experience of launching radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) helps, but reactors require specific solutions, in particular regarding launch safety and environmental reviews.
The cost of development is estimated by the INL report at $1 billion for each of the two reactors in the “Chessmaster’s Gambit” variant or $3 billion for a larger reactor (100–500 kW). The NASA directive provides for funding from the new budget article "Mars Technology" on 2026 year ($350 million 2026 year and $500 million annually from 2027 year). NASA's Space Technology Office has been ordered to cease operations, not related to this initiative, and direct funds to the RFP.
Success requires public support and education, to overcome misinformation about nuclear technology. The initiative was supported by Senator Mark Kelly, who emphasized its importance to Artemis missions and future space exploration.
Source: https://spacenews.com