SATPC0035708 TAB 04 4 SOW.pdf

Statement of Work

Prototype Liquid Metal Pump and Power Supply for Fission Surface Power

I. Overview

The Fission Surface Power (FSP) project addresses a future NASA need for reliable, sun-independent power to further exploration on the surface of the moon, Mars, and beyond. The top-level goals of FSP are to (1) demonstrate robust and reliable operation of a fission power plant on the lunar surface and

(2) continue into a 9-year operational phase, delivering electric power for various exploration needs under the Artemis missions.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) seeks a preliminary design of a mechanical liquid metal pump suitable for used on a space fission reactor for primary heat transport between nuclear core heat source and the power conversion system. Completion of this effort will reduce risk of further technology development studies and provide value to the FSP project by informing evaluation of flight system designs.

The FSP project is working towards designing a space fission reactor with industry partners. This work includes the identification of critical technology readiness for such a system, and technology maturation in the pre-competitive phase to reduce future cost, schedule, and technical risks to mission success.

The design, development and test of a pump capable of reliably pumping liquid NaK in a primary circuit with a liquid metal-cooled nuclear reactor will expand the technology options of the FSP project and inform the trade studies of available reactor systems. Literature reviews and trade studies have suggested a liquid metal-cooled reactor enables low reactor mass while providing higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This system provides an alternative to heat pipe-type reactors and takes advantage of a long history of service in terrestrial liquid metal reactors.

The tasks established in this statement of work (SOW) are intended to develop a mechanical pump for liquid NaK with low mass and improved efficiency.

II. Scope

The effort in response to this SOW should result in the design of a prototype liquid NaK pump and power supply, with sufficient fidelity to allow for the fabrication and testing of the prototype in a following effort. The established design should show sufficient engineering confidence that the pump will meet operational requirements for the lunar surface.

This SOW includes the tasks, deliverables, and performance period for the design of a prototype liquid NaK pump and power supply.

III. Tasks and Deliverables

The contractor will report progress to NASA through a virtual meeting at least once per month. This meeting will include progress made on the current task, upcoming work, issues and concerns, and overall status. The presentation will be marked as appropriate and provided as a monthly status deliverable.

I. Requirements development

The contractor will establish design requirements for the prototype liquid NaK pump and power supply, and provide system-derived lower-level performance requirements. A requirements traceability matrix will be developed to detail how requirements are implemented in the design.

When requirements have been established, a requirements review will be held. This review will include NASA representation and other non-advocate reviewers. Feedback will be incorporated into the traceability matrix and the requirements document.

Deliverables:

1. A requirements document for the design and fabrication of a prototype liquid NaK pump suitable for service on the lunar surface and a power supply.

II. Prototype design

The contractor will develop a preliminary design for a prototype liquid NaK pump meeting the established design requirements. The design will include trade studies on pump type, bearings, materials, motor cooling, and seals. Each trade study selection will consider efficiency, mass, reliability, risk, and TRL. Thermal, structural, and material compatibility analyses will be performed to inform the design. CAD models will be established for the preliminary pump arrangement, including the structure, mounts, piping, and electrical and cooling connections.

A design review will be conducted, including NASA representatives and other non-advocate reviewers.

Comments will be integrated into the design, and reflected in the final system design document.

Deliverables:

1. A system design document which describes the design for a prototype liquid NaK pump meeting the established design requirements. Physical, functional, and operational interfaces will be detailed in this report.

2. Analysis results will be documented and provided at the design review.

3. Items sufficient to support future fabrication and testing efforts of the prototype liquid NaK pump and power supply.

a. CAD models and pdf drawings (minimum: top level geometric and interface models) will be provided at the design review.

b. Formal Manufacturing Work Instructions (MWI) for the assembly of the pump, including stepwise functional verifications.

c. A description of the expected nominal and off nominal operations during pump testing.

This may be included as part of the system design document (Deliverable 1 in Task iI).

III. Acquisition strategy

The contractor will prepare procurement specifications for the design and fabrication of the prototype liquid NaK pump and power supply. Capable suppliers will be surveyed. As needed, the contractor will work with the identified suppliers for design activities.

Deliverables:

1. The acquisition strategy and developed procurement specifications will be included in the system design document (Deliverable 1 in Task II).

IV. Period of Performance

The effort established by this SOW should be completed within four months.

IV. Period of Performance