Development and Conceptual Analysis of Nuclear Reactors for Space Applications - 2026_CDR_DENG_6

Position: Post-doctoral research contract Institute: Polytechnic of Milano
Posted on: 22/01/2026 Deadline: 23/02/2026

Scientific-Disciplinary Group

09/IIND-07 - Thermal Sciences, Energy Technology, Building Physics And Nuclear Engineering

Description

The research program is part of the SELENE project (CUP F83C24000240001), funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and aims to support the development and conceptual analysis of the primary system and the energy conversion system of a nuclear reactor designed to power a lunar base. The activities include the study of reactor configurations and energy conversion cycles, with the objective of identifying optimal solutions in terms of safety, efficiency, mass, and reliability. The work will involve thermohydraulic and neutronic modeling, materials analysis, and the assessment of operating conditions in the space environment, as well as the definition of application scenarios (e.g., power supply for lunar habitats).

Number of positions

1

Funding body

Politecnico di Milano