| Metric | Nasa FSP (US) | CNNC lunar reactor (China) |
|---|---|---|
| Reactor type | Fast neutron | Thermal neutron |
| Fuel efficiency | 70kg U-235 | 18.5kg U-235 (-74%) |
| Lifespan | 8 years | 10+ years |
| Shielding mass | Heavy (fast neutrons) | Lightweight (thermal flux) |
| Safety redundancy | Control drums only | Control drums + safety rods |
| Cooling system | Single-loop NaK-78 | Dual-loop NaK-78 |