The original SP-100 conceptual system design was examined from the mechanical design and integration viewpoint for the purpose of updating the design, identifying concerns, and providing recommendations for future work. Some of the findings were that: Integration of heat pipes into the radiator structure appears practical, but a number of problems remain to be addressed and resolved through development effort; thermal and structural interfacing of the shield and defining shield weight are key areas that need to be addressed; the radiator may be critical in shell buckling which would make beryllium a leading candidate material; material problems such as beryllium vs. shuttle fracture mechanics criteria need to be addressed.

The objective of this task was to establish and evaluate what PCC technologies need to be developed and what impact the availability and development of PCC technologies will have on Ground Demonstration Development Decision.

DARPA, in conjunction with DOE`s Office of Nuclear Energy, and NASA`s Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology are jointly sponsoring a space nuclear reactor power system program known as the Space Power-100 (SP-100) Development Project. The program is presently in the critical technology phase. This phase, better known as technology assessment and advancement, includes mission requirements definition, system conceptual designs, and critical technology development. A ground test phase decision is scheduled for July 1985. If the decision is positive, the next phase would begin in fiscal year 1986. An overriding concern in conducting this program is to ensure that nuclear safety is being properly addressed even in these early stages.