Summary

Description

<p>Nuclear power systems enable human and robotic exploration missions to solar system locations where other power system alternatives are infeasible, such as deep space or the dark and dusty surface of Mars.  Currently, Radioisotope Power Systems fueled by Plutionium-238 can be used for missions needing a few hundred watts, and NASA is demonstrating the technology that would be needed for tens to hundreds of kilowatts for human outposts on planetary surfaces (see the Nuclear Systems Project in Techport).  A gap exists in the 1-10 kilowatt regime for higher power science missions that would consume large portions of the world’s limited Pu-238 supply, as well as for lower power elements of human exploration missions.  A NASA/Department of Energy nuclear demonstration in 2012 at the Nevada National Security Site provided proof-of-principle benchtop validation that the technology needed for small fission power systems works, and can fill this gap.   The Kilopower Small Fission Systems Project will advance this technology in three years to readiness for near term space missions by conducting a full-scale nuclear demonstration of a space-capable small fission power system in a relevant environment.</p>