Speaker
Description
Radiation shielding is a critical enabling technology for Lunar Fission Surface Power (FSP) and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) systems, where intense mixed neutron–gamma fields from fission processes must be mitigated alongside the space radiation environment. Shield design will be driven by the stringent mass and volume constraints of the launch vehicle, requiring highly optimised, system-integrated solutions where possible. Effective shielding relies on multi-material configurations combining hydrogen-rich moderators for neutron attenuation with high-Z materials for gamma absorption, often in graded or layered architectures. Trade-offs between attenuation performance, secondary radiation generation, structural compatibility, and system integration are key design drivers.
This work will present the current ESA nuclear fission requirements and use cases, focussing on FSP and NEP. It will briefly highlight likely reactor architectures and fuel forms, as well as highlight constraints and key considerations towards shielding. A brief overview of worldwide developments in Space fission reactions, including shielding techniques will also be covered.