Abstract
A neutronic model of a Nuclear Thermal Propulsion reactor based on the NERVA Peewee design using High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel in a Zirconium Carbide matrix has been thoroughly characterised and continuously modified over the last few years at the CSNR. The initial design (Emu, for the flightless bird) created in the summer of 2020 and presented at the NETS 2021 conference, has undergone significant adjustments in this time. Two major investigations have been undertaken and evolved over time; one into the requisites for the provision of electrical power to the propelled spacecraft via the circulation of a noble gas mixture in a closed Brayton cycle, and another into the use of planetary regolith as a reflector, reducing neutron leakage at what would otherwise be the reactor’s end of life in vacuo, rekindling it for an extended period of time as well as providing a very easy ultimate disposal solution, replacing the control drums with rods. It was determined that there are no insurmountable obstacles to performance in either mode.
Funder
Idaho National Laboratory
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