Nuclear power systems for the First Lunar Outpost

A recent study effort at NASA has developed a preliminary reference mission description for a human return to the Moon by the end of this decade. The First Lunar Outpost (FLO) would provide the framework for establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon and a necessary step toward eventual piloted trips to Mars. The primary objectives of FLO are to sustain a crew of four on the lunar surface for 45 days during which local roving, surface science, and demonstration‐level resource extraction would be accomplished. Power systems capable of meeting the diverse requirements of FLO are a significant engineering challenge. Power requirements range from 10’s of watts for small science packages to 10’s of kilowatts for the crew habitat. The guidelines imposed on power systems include that they be lightweight, easily deployable, and cost efficient. Nuclear systems such as radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), dynamic isotope power systems (DIPS), and small reactor power systems offer distinct advantages over solar and electrochemical alternatives. Concepts for modular RTGs and DIPS, and deployable reactor systems relevant to the FLO mission and its evolution are described and compared.