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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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NRC introduces microreactor regulatory framework
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has released a new licensing framework for microreactors and similar reactor designs that may provide a more suitable pathway for applicants with simpler technologies.
The proposed rule—known as Part 57—is the latest to come out of the NRC’s rules review and overhaul stemming from the ADVANCE Act and 2025 nuclear-related executive orders. It is also the latest framework developed for advanced reactor designs shifting away from light water reactor technology, such as the Part 53 rule finalized in March.
Technical Session|Technology Research and Development
Wednesday, April 29, 2026|8:00–9:20AM EDT|Room 302/303/304
Session Chair:
Taylor Hampson
Alternate Chair:
James Mastandrea
This session explores the design, performance modeling, and feasibility of advanced nuclear fission surface power systems, including Brayton cycle and molten salt reactor concepts, specifically tailored to provide reliable energy for future lunar missions.
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Feasibility Study on a Nuclear Reactor for Lunar Surface Application Using Natural Uranium Fuel
8:00–8:20AM EDT
Fumiya Sato (Tokyo City Univ.), Jun Nishiyama (Tokyo City Univ.)
Paper
Multiphysics Power Balance Modeling of a Fission Surface Power-Type Dual Brayton Gas Cooled Reactor System
8:20–8:40AM EDT
Anthony Y. Ghossein (Lockheed Martin Space), John P. Mulloy II (Lockheed Martin Space), Cole M. Mueller (Lockheed Martin Space), Joshua S. Bowman (Lockheed Martin Space), Alexis Maldonado (Lockheed Martin Space), Jesse D. Chuhta (Lockheed Martin Space), Kevin S. Bennion (Lockheed Martin Space), Chesney R. Boal (Lockheed Martin Space), Sean M. Smith (Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control), Mikaela E. Blood (Lockheed Martin Space), Ian G. Collins (Lockheed Martin Space), Jeffrey J. Breedlove (Creare LLC)
Burnable-Absorber-Loaded Micro Molten Salt & Metal Reactor (MSMR) for Lunar Base Power
8:40–9:00AM EDT
Jaehyun Ryu (KAIST), Yonghee Kim (KAIST)
Cycle Performance Analysis and Preliminary Design of a PCHE Recuperator for a 100-kWth Space He-Xe Brayton Cycle
9:00–9:20AM EDT
Seunghwan Oh (KAERI), Sung Nam Lee (KAERI), Nam-il Tak (KAERI), Chan Soo Kim (KAERI)
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