Chinese Engineers Claim Major Flaw in NASA’s Lunar Nuclear Reactor Design

A team of Chinese nuclear engineers has raised concerns over NASA’s proposed lunar nuclear reactor, suggesting the design contains a flaw that could limit its performance and lifespan. The Chinese team, from the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), believes that just a few small changes could boost the system’s efficiency by up to 75% and extend its life.

NASA’s Lunar Reactor And Its Mission

NASA’s Fission Surface Power reactor was designed to support future lunar missions by providing up to 40 kilowatts of electricity. That’s roughly the amount to power about 30 homes on Earth. 

Originally launched during the first Trump administration’s lunar initiative, the system was intended to operate independently on the Moon’s surface, including during long lunar nights that can last several weeks.

Concerns Over NASA’s Lunar Nuclear Reactor Design

However, Chinese engineers argue that NASA’s compact design, which uses cylindrical uranium fuel rods with thick beryllium shielding, suffers serious limitations. A key issue is “fuel swelling,” where fuel expands under radiation over time. This could cap the reactor’s lifespan at around eight years. The single-path control system and lack of backup shutdown mechanisms also drew criticism.

China’s Proposed Design Improvements

China’s new reactor design introduces several enhancements. It uses ring-shaped uranium fuel rods, wrapped in stainless steel, which allow heat dissipation on both inner and outer surfaces. The system also incorporates yttrium hydride as a neutron moderator, reducing risks tied to hydrogen leakage seen in older technologies.

According to CNNC chief designer Zhao Shouzhi, their reactor delivers the same 40 kilowatts of power but with less fuel. It uses 18.5 kg of uranium-235 compared to NASA’s estimated 70 kg. It also requires only a thin beryllium reflector layer and features dual cooling channels using NaK-78 liquid metal.

The design includes extra safety measures such as boron carbide rods and rotary control drums. With these improvements, China’s engineers believe their system could play a key role in long-term lunar base development.

The Race For Lunar Power Leadership

While China moves ahead, NASA faces funding cuts and project delays including questions being raised by the new Department of Government Efficiency. This raises questions about which country will lead in the next chapter of lunar exploration.