and the nuclear shield, as well as the power conversion system. The test article in Option 2 for the acoustic and pyro shock tests is the same as the Option 1 test article for these same tests. However, for the pressure, thermal balance and thermal vacuum tests, the reactor loaded with a simulated core will be replaced with an electrically- heated reactor simulator. The outer dimensions, temperature rise, and pressure drop across the core will be identical to the NDR of the MSNPS. Separate pressure and thermal vacuum tests of the nuclear subsystem need to be conducted because the electrical heaters will not simulate the individual fuel elements. Acceptance Tests After flight qualification tests, each flight unit must pass acceptance tests prior to launch. The acceptance tests are similar to qualification tests except the test duration and the severity of the tests are less than those for the qualification tests. In defining all tests from development tests through qualification and acceptance tests, it is important to realize that the test articles used in the development test can also be used in the qualification and acceptance tests. This requires careful evaluation of the development tests to determine whether the qualification requirements would be met. It also requires no major design changes in the system. Considerable savings could also be realized if the facility requirements for both the qualification tests and acceptance tests are determined at the same time, for it may be possible to construct one test facility to meet the needs of both. Significant cost and schedule savings can result if the program planning includes all the tests (from start to finish) at the outset.
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