Scalability of space reactor power systems in the 10 to 100 kWe range

Missions requiring electrical power in the 10 to 100 kW range have been identified as potential applications for a space reactor power system which uses the technology currently being developed under the SP‐100 Ground Engineering System Program. The design approaches proposed for these applications build upon the key technologies being developed under this program, thereby maximizing the potential applicability of this effort by fully utilizing the inherent scalability of the design implementations defined as elements of the 100 kWe Generic Flight System.Total mass and physical size are presented as a function of rated power output over the range from 10 to 100 kW0. Mass‐effective design dictates a change in system implementation, affecting the application of basic technology, as the system power level is scaled‐down from the 100 kWe point design. These technology tradeoffs are described along with the rationale leading to the identification of specific transition power levels within this range.