Experiments Illustrating the Importance of Automated Reasoning in Spacecraft Reactor Control

The importance of automated reasoning to the control of spacecraft nuclear reactors is discussed. Presented are results from experiments that demonstrate the role of planning, prediction, and assessment in the realization of autonomous control. These experiments were performed under closed-loop conditions on the Annular Core Research Reactor that is operated by the Sandia National Laboratories. Automated diagnostics is identified as an area that requires much further research.