Abstract: Nuclear-thermal propulsion has been developed in recent years as a key direction for nuclear power in space. The core assembly，as an important part of the nuclear thermal rocket， is very important for the development of the nuclear thermal rocket motor by testing its heat resistance， hydrogen compatibility， and stability of the material structure at higher temperatures. In comparison with some advanced electric heating test technologies carried out abroad， four types of ground simulation facilities designed for the development and testing of core assemblies， namely， ground induction heating， electric arc heating， radio frequency heating， and direct current direct heating， are introduced. Some specific working parameters of different devices for ground simulation experiments are analyzed， and the advantages and disadvantages of each device are compared and analyzed. It is pointed out that ground-based simulations can be carried out to understand the strengths and weaknesses of sample materials and components in terms of thermal stability， structural strength， resistance to hydrothermal corrosion， and irradiation at low cost， and then to select the best materials. The continuous development and improvement of the ground simulation experiment facility will make the development of nuclear thermal rocket core components more accurate and reliable， which is of great significance in promoting the development of China's nuclear thermal rockets and thus realizing nuclear power propulsion in space.

Key words: nuclear thermal propulsion, ground-based simulations, electrical heating, core assembly, thermal performance