Application of cermet fueled reactors to multimegawatt space power systems

The open-cycle, multimegawatt burst power system is described in detail. The closed Brayton cycle, Rankine cycle and rocket propulsion applications are also discussed to illustrate the applicability of cermet fuel to a broad range of space power applications. The reactor, turbomachinery, superconducting generator, power conditioning, instrumentation and control, reliability, startup performance and safety are covered. It is shown that the cermet fuel fast spectrum reactor provides an attractive, flexible space power system.<>