SBIR-STTR Award

It is widely understood that Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) has the inherent capability to dramatically expand our ability to explore the solar system, and to more safely transport human crews within interplanetary space. However, since the Timberwind (TW)/Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (SNTP) program was terminated in 1993, little progress has been made, and no nuclear fuels testing has occurred. Since the recrudescence of NASA’s NTP program, it will be necessary to test fuels prior to developing a useful fuel element, thence a NTP engine. The last Congressional appropriation set a 2020 budget of over $120M for nuclear thermal propulsion with the requirement to perform an early flight test. This proposal addresses using previously developed fuel particle testing information generated by the DOD Timberwind/Space Nuclear Thermal Propulsion program, where fuel particle testing was accomplished in the Annular Core Research Reactor at Sandia National Laboratories, and applying it to testing in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Reactor Facilities. This proposal will investigate, analyze, and perform preliminary analyses on a new fuel test capsule to be used at MIT. Further, Preliminary and Final Safety Analysis Reports recovery from Sandia archives will be attempted to assist in the safety analysis effort. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) NASA is pursuing nuclear thermal propulsion. There are a modest number of concepts associated with their technology developments. Most of the fuel forms and compositions require testing in-core with substantial power and neutron fluence. This proposal directly addresses the need for nuclear fuel testing for NTP. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) There are a number of other programs seeking to develop new space and terrestrial reactors, including DARPA and OUDR&E. This testing will enhance their development efforts.

This project will further the exceptional analysis and design work completed during the Phase I STTR effort. During Phase II, the following will be performed: Perform a final design of the Fuel Test Capsule (FTC) Perform a stress analysis on the FTC Perform a thermal analysis on the FTC using power generated for NTR test samples Complete require safety and environmental analyses Fabricate and purchase components for a first-run FTC and assemble Generate assembly procedures Send capsule to MIT for fit test in 3GV6 test chamber Using the FTC, verify that all fluid and sensor attachments perform as desired Fabricate a fuel test coupon and check for fit in FTC Develop fuel testing procedures Fabricate 3 final Fuel Test Capsules Obtain surrogate fuel sample from NASA Assemble first FTC with surrogate fuel part Test surrogate fuel Write final report Prepare for externally funded actual fuel testing Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) NASA is pursuing the development of a Nuclear Thermal Rocket for solar system exploration. A functional NTR design cannot occur without fuel that is tested to operational conditions. This STTR will provide the ability to test actual fuel by developing the fuel test capsule and testing surrogate fuel. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory may also be testing fuel and would use the LPS-MIT team to do so.