Conclusions The NDR is the only power technology that can meet both short- and long-term space power needs. The MSNPS has unique characteristics and substantial design margins that permit significant flexibility for growth, various space power applications, and significantly reduced reactor mass. The NERVA-derived reactor is extremely versatile. With little change in the basic design, it can provide a power source for steady-state electric power, direct thermal propulsion, bimodal power and dual mode propulsion power, as well as a power source for extraterrestrial basing. It can be scaled up or down for both power and propulsion. NERVA-type reactors were tested at powers in excess of 4000 MW. With very few changes, the NDR technology can accommodate power requirements from tens of megawatts to hundreds of megawatts. Since the NDR is based on already proven technology, it provides a low cost option for all space power requirements from 1 MWe and higher. The NDR concept provides the only space power alternative with proven and tested subsystems and components. The nuclear reactor design is based on successful NERVA experience and state-of-the- art fuel technology (Fig. 6). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This paper is based on a combination of work performed under DOE Contract DE-AC07-88ID12752, A. C. Williams, DOE Program Manager, and work performed under Westinghouse funds. REFERENCES [1] Pewee 1 Reactor Test Report (1969) LA-4217-175, 19 August.
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