Kilopower

Kilopower is a compact fission reactor concept developed by NASA and the Department of Energy (DOE) for use in space. It is designed to provide a reliable and continuous source of electrical power for long-duration space missions, especially those beyond Earth orbit where solar power is less effective or unavailable.

The Kilopower reactor uses a solid, cast uranium-235 core, a passive sodium heat pipe cooling system, and Stirling engine generators to convert heat into electricity. This design emphasizes simplicity, reliability, and safety, minimizing the need for active control systems and moving parts. The inherent safety features are designed to prevent a criticality accident during launch or normal operations.

Key advantages of Kilopower include its compact size, relatively low mass, long operational lifespan (typically designed for 10 years), and ability to operate independently of sunlight. These features make it suitable for powering habitats, science experiments, and resource utilization activities on the Moon, Mars, or other destinations in deep space.

The project underwent significant testing, including the Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling Technology (KRUSTY) experiment in 2018, which demonstrated the reactor's ability to generate electricity and its resilience under simulated space conditions. While the Kilopower project was initially suspended, the underlying technology and design principles remain relevant for future space power applications, and research continues on advanced nuclear reactor concepts for space exploration.