SP-100 reactor with Brayton conversion for lunar surface applications

Design and Off-Design Performance of 100 kWe-Class Brayton Power Conversion Systems

“…Potential missions include low power for scientific instruments (Zagarola, 2003), tens-to-hundreds of kilowatts for spacecraft (Barrett and Reid, 2004;Mason, 2004;Tilliette, 1990), and surface power (Mason, 1999;Mason et al, 1992). Heat sources for electrical power generation can be, but are not limited to, a radioisotope, solar concentrator (Shaltens and Mason, 1996), or nuclear reactor (Baggenstoss and Ashe, 1992;Barrett and Reid, 2004;Mason, 1999;Mason et al, 1992;Tilliette, 1990).…”

A Comparison of Fission Power System Options for Lunar and Mars Surface Applications

“…NASA has studied the use of nuclear power for lunar and Mars surface applications for many decades, and some example papers by the author are referenced (Mason, Bloomfield, and Hainley, 1989;Mason, et al, 1992;Mason and Cataldo, 1993;Mason, 1999Mason, , 2001). The recent Vision for Space Exploration expressed by President Bush has renewed the interest in establishing a sustained human presence on the moon and initiating human missions to Mars.…”