To establish a lunar base, the energy supply is a first issue to be solved. The nuclear reactor power has the advantages of high power, long service life and environmental resistance ability. It is an ideal energy solution option for the lunar base and other deep space exploration missions. A brief analysis of the current status of the energy resources that can be used for a lunar base is made. The design idea of a 40 kW_e nuclear reactor power for the lunar surface is proposed. After the preliminary optimization design, the scheme and the overall design parameters of the nuclear reactor power are given. Finally, the power scheme is analyzed and demonstrated from the aspects of the reactor physics, the shielding, the thermal performance and structure. It is shown that the nuclear reactor power scheme is reasonable and feasible. It can meet the requirements of safety and long life service.

lunar surface  /  nuclear reactor power  /  thermoelectric conversion  /  stirling engine