EngineeringPhysicsComputer Science

Weiren Wu, Jizhong Liu, Xiaojin Zhao, Shoulun Dai, Guobin Yu, G. Wan, Cangli Liu, Qi Luo, Fuchuan Pang, An-wen Zhu, Shengyong Tang, Weiping Liu, Chuanfei Zhang, Wei Zeng

2019.1.11Scientia Sinica Technologica

DOI: 10.1360/n092018-00374

tlooto Summary

It is suggested that the space nuclear reactor power could be developed in stages according to grades of 10, 100, 1000 kWe, which may provide a reference for the future development of space nuclear reactors power.

Abstract

Space nuclear reactor power is the application of self-sustaining nuclear fission energy in space, which can fundamentally solve the bottleneck problem of high power demand of spacecraft in the future. It is also the premise of large-scale development and utilization of space resource. New technology of nuclear reactor power and its development roadmaps are reviewed in this paper. Based on the future development trend, mission requirment, and main technical route, we suggest that the space nuclear reactor power could be developed in stages according to grades of 10, 100, 1000 kWe. Issues of key technologies and nuclear safety are also analyzed. The content of this work may provide a reference for the future development of space nuclear reactor power.

Citation format

WU, Weiren, et al. System engineering research and application foreground of space nuclear reactor power generators. Scientia Sinica Technologica, 2019.