2-7. Space Nuclear Power Systems for Extraterrestrial Basing J. R. LANCE & J. W. H. CHI Summary Previous studies of nuclear and non-nuclear power systems for lunar bases are compared with recent studies by others. Both sets of studies show that the nuclear power option significantly reduces the logistic burden required to support a lunar base. Power levels from tens of kWe for early base operation up to 2000 kWe for a self- sustaining base with a Closed Environment Life Support System (CELSS) are considered. Permanent lunar or Martian bases will require the use of multiple nuclear units connected to loads with a power transmission and distribution system analogous to earthbased electric utility systems. A methodology used for such systems is applied to the lunar base system to examine the effects of adding 100 kWe SP-100 class and/or larger nuclear units when a reliability criterion is imposed. The results show that resource and logistic burdens can be reduced by using 1000 kWe units early in the base growth scenario without compromising system reliability. Therefore, both technologies being developed in two current programs (SP-100 and NERVA Derivative Reactor (NDR) technology for space power) can be used effectively for extraterrestrial base power systems. Using both SP-100 and NDR technologies for multiple space and extraterrestrial base applications will conserve national resources and significantly improve development program payoff. Recent developments in NDR design that result in major reductions in reactor mass are also described. Lunar Base Power System Considerations Lunar Exploration Systems for Apollo (LESA) The power system requirements and system design considerations for lunar basing have been the subject of numerous studies since the early Lunar Exploration Systems for Apollo (LESA) program. Westinghouse performed two LESA contracts jointly for NASA and the US Army Corps of Engineers: A Multi-Purpose Engine and Fuel System Study [1]; and a Nuclear Power Plant Feasibility and Conceptual Design Study [2]. As part of the nuclear power study, we defined the power requirements, logistics costs, development time, and financial cost of various candidate power plants which could be installed and operated on the Lunar surface. The Multi-Purpose Fuel J. R. Lance and J. W. H. Chi, Westinghouse Advanced Energy Systems, PO Box 10864, Pittsburgh, PA 15236- 0864, USA (Tel: (412) 382-5141). Paper number IAF-ICOSP89-2-7.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==