A 1,000°C Lunar Microreactor Could Power the Next Era of Moon Bases

A new paper describes a nuclear reactor that could power future lunar bases. The reactor, called MULE, is designed to operate at 1000°C and includes a thermal storage bank to maintain temperature even if the reactor is shut down. The reactor uses a closed-loop Brayton cycle to generate electricity, with the remaining heat being dumped into radiators at 75°C. The reactor is made of all-ceramic components, including silicon carbide and TRISO fuel pellets, which are designed to be melt-proof. The reactor weighs 2.1 metric tons and is 2.3m long by 0.78m wide, well within the capabilities of current heavy lift rockets. The reactor could operate for 95 years without refueling, making it a promising solution for power on the Moon.

• MULE is a co-generation fission power plant concept for lunar in-situ resource utilization.
• The reactor uses a cascade of thermal energy to power the MSE reaction and generate electricity.
• The reactor is designed to be safe, with fuel pellets encased in protective shells.
• The reactor is made of all-ceramic components, including silicon carbide and TRISO fuel.
• The reactor is expected to be operational for 95 years without refueling.

The MULE reactor is a significant advancement in space nuclear power technology. It addresses the challenge of providing reliable power on the Moon, where solar energy is unavailable and temperatures can be extremely low. The reactor is designed to be efficient and safe, with the ability to store heat even when the reactor is shut down. The reactor could help enable the development of long-term lunar bases by providing a stable power source. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the need for excavation technology to bury the reactor and the potential for materials to break under thermal stress. The reactor represents a major step forward in space nuclear power technology and could play a crucial role in the future of lunar exploration.

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