Unlike earthly bound nuclear reactors, space reactor's behavior must be predicted precisely. So before exploring the far reach of space, we need to explore the forefront of computing. We should not only use the latest computer/communication technology, but also push the frontier of computing. We would only be able to go as far out into space as our computing technology allows us to.

As a first step, instead of a try-and-error, iterative process of design optimization, we should map the sensitivity profiles for criticality and shielding, which will be as revealing as the human geno project about human except much easier to do.

To do this and taking full advantage of the increased power and storage of computers, we need to automate code porting and installation to achieve a timely period of one day rather than several weeks. The experience of the centralized service bureau business at Boeing in the 1980's should be used to build an nuclear code library. The key lies in establishing direct contacts with the authors of the programs. Past experiences have shown this is a productive interaction for both parties.

The chief objective of speeding up code installation is that so we could, besides using the old GE, LASL and Lockheed codes, also survey the ORNL, ARGONNE, INEL and EPRI codes, in fields of criticality, shielding, thermal hydraulics, structural, probabilistic risk assessment and normal/emergency operating procedures. These should minimally include the SCALE package, DORT-DOMINO-MORSE (or the latest equivalent), SWANLAKE and multidimensional sensitivity codes, and EPRI's nuclear safety codes.

The most fertile frontier of computing lies in the naturalization and robotization of physics modeling process for maximum efficiency and reliability. This would allow seamless teamwork among all collaborators, since everyone would fully understand whatever everyone else is doing. ROBACUS/OUTERNET provides the computing/communication infrastructure for this purpose. A pilot project of applying ROBACUS' Universal Modeler to the SP100 space reactor core/reflector/shield has demonstrated a reduction in modeling time from 2 weeks to less than an hour and safeguarding all the intermediating calculations by replacing them with natural-language programming performed online during the modeling process.

It may be Jupitor that we are sending this nuclear spaceship, but all the works better be done to perfection and thoroughly checked out here on Earth.

LIQUID METAL REACTOR CORE

GAS COOL & HEAT PIPE CORE

JIMO slides 4 & 8

JIMO 12 & 19

JIMO slides 20 & 21

JIMO 23

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