Other Names: SY-0001, Syrian research reactor, Syrian MNSR
Location: Der Al-Hadjar Nuclear Research Centre, near Damascus, Syria
Subordinate To: Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS)
Size: 30KW
Primary Function: Basic/Applied Research/ Training: reactor operators
Description: SRR-1 is a 30KW miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR), supplied by China and modeled after the Canadian Slowpoke reactor. China also provided Syria with 980 grams of 90 percent enriched fuel for the MNSR. Its main utilization is Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), training and small-scale radioisotope production.[1] The reactor was installed in the Der Al-Hadjar Nuclear Research Centre (30km from Damascus) with the help of the IAEA as part of the Technical Cooperation Project No. SYR/4/004. At present, it is fully operational.[2]

According to some analysts, the Syrian MNSR is unsuitable for weapons production.[3]

Sources:
[1] I. Khamis, "The Role of Small Research Reactors in Developing Countries: the Syrian Perspective," Small Research Reactor Workshop, International Center for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences, 13-17 January 2003, <http://www.icens.org/Reactor_Workshop/Sessions_5__6___7/
sessions_5__6___7.htm>.
[2] "SYR/4/004: Miniature Neutron Source Reactor," IAEA Technical Cooperation Projects, 1998, <http://www-tc.iaea.org/tcweb/tcprogramme/projectsbycountry/
query/default.asp>.
[3] Anthony H. Cordesman, "Syria and Weapons of Mass Destruction," Israel and Lebanon: The New Military and Strategic Realities, Rough Draft, October 2000, Center for Strategic and International Studies, <http://www.csis.org/stratassessment/reports/syriaWMD.pdf>.

	Updated February 2006