Small modular nuclear reactor reaches criticality in first test
Summary
A small modular nuclear reactor developed by Antares reached a key milestone called criticality in its first test at the Idaho National Laboratory. This means the reactor's nuclear reactions became self-sustaining, though it has not started producing electricity yet.Key Facts
- President Trump issued an order to speed up nuclear power development, aiming for three new reactor designs to reach criticality in about a year.
- Antares’ reactor is the first new design to reach criticality under this effort.
- The reactor uses TRISO fuel pellets, which have a uranium core surrounded by protective carbon layers and a ceramic shell to improve safety.
- TRISO fuel design helps prevent meltdowns and stops dangerous radioactive material from escaping.
- Antares surrounds the fuel with graphite to slow down stray neutrons that could create unstable isotopes.
- The reactor uses liquid sodium to take heat away, transferring it to pressurized nitrogen, which will drive a turbine to generate power later.
- The current test reactor (Mark 0) is not connected to power generation but is used to collect safety data and validate designs.
- Antares collaborates with the Department of Defense’s Project Pele and has NASA support for its work.
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