From reading the NRC submission, the support structure for the modules is Seismic Category 1 (rated for design basis earthquake). This includes the entire Reactor Building, its foundation, and requirements for the site on which it is built. The reactor building is also designed to withstand an impact from a large commercial aircraft. Note that conjecture that the modules are top-heavy appears to be unfounded given the configuration described in the NRC submission.
Elsewhere in the probabilistic risk assessment, they address a module tipping over if it is dropped in the operating area-- the most probable scenario for a horizontal module.
In the case where the drop causes the containment to be breached and does not permit inflow of water from the pool (ostensibly due to pressure difference) the result is core damage and a release of radioactive contamination to the pool.
I encourage interested readers to look at Chapter 19 of the NRC submission. Much of the document is at a level where a lay engineer can understand it. NB: I am not affiliated with NuScale or the NRC.
Safety on the ground is one thing, the other is whether this sort of design might be used in less-than-earth gravity. We need passive/fail-safe reactors for space and this thing looks like it could fit inside a rocket.
From reading the NRC submission, the support structure for the modules is Seismic Category 1 (rated for design basis earthquake). This includes the entire Reactor Building, its foundation, and requirements for the site on which it is built. The reactor building is also designed to withstand an impact from a large commercial aircraft. Note that conjecture that the modules are top-heavy appears to be unfounded given the configuration described in the NRC submission.
Elsewhere in the probabilistic risk assessment, they address a module tipping over if it is dropped in the operating area-- the most probable scenario for a horizontal module.
In the case where the drop causes the containment to be breached and does not permit inflow of water from the pool (ostensibly due to pressure difference) the result is core damage and a release of radioactive contamination to the pool.
I encourage interested readers to look at Chapter 19 of the NRC submission. Much of the document is at a level where a lay engineer can understand it. NB: I am not affiliated with NuScale or the NRC.