China claims flaw in NASA's lunar reactor design

Chinese scientists have claimed to find a major flaw in NASA's lunar nuclear reactor design, known as the Fission Surface Power (FSP) system. Engineers from the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) believe that minor changes could improve the reactor's efficiency by 75% and enhance its power and lifespan. The CNNC team acknowledged NASA's efforts but pointed out several areas for improvement. They argue that these enhancements could give China an advantage in the race to build sustainable bases on the Moon. NASA's FSP was designed during the Trump administration to operate autonomously from lunar landers or rovers and aims to provide 40 kilowatts of power. NASA plans to test the FSP on the Moon as it is reliable for long-duration operations, including during the two-week lunar nights. However, the Chinese engineers noted that NASA's design has limitations. For example, the FSP reactor relies on high enrichment levels and thick shielding, which can restrict its lifespan to just eight years due to fuel swelling under radiation. In contrast, the CNNC's proposed design incorporates dual safety mechanisms and innovative fuel rod shapes to improve performance. Their reactor can generate the same amount of power for over a decade, using less uranium than NASA’s design. They have adapted ideas from the former Soviet Union’s TOPAZ-II reactor to enhance their model. The Chinese reactor employs ring-shaped fuel rods and a yttrium hydride moderator, which minimizes risks associated with previous materials used in nuclear reactors. This design allows for better efficiency with less fuel and improved safety features. These advancements could potentially accelerate China's plans for lunar exploration and establishment of a permanent base, especially as NASA faces budget cuts and workforce reductions that are delaying its lunar projects.