[ad_1]
NASA is in the process of seeking industrial partners to help establish nuclear fission power plants on the Moon and Mars for deeper space exploration in the future. The proposal outlines the creation of a 10-kilowatt-class fission surface power system, with plans for its construction and launch by 2026.
According to Anthony Calomino, leader of NASA’s nuclear technology portfolio, the system will be developed, fully manufactured and tested on Earth for deployment to the moon with minimal assembly required. Once completed, it is set to be connected to a lunar lander and slowly lowered to the lunar surface.
If the project is successful, this technology will then be taken to other planets, with Mars as the prime candidate for the future.
The rationale for building these outposts would be to produce large volumes of electricity, which allow the creation of manned outposts in space.
“Four units, each providing 10 kilowatts of electricity, would provide enough power to establish an outpost on the Moon or Mars,” Calomino told CNBC. “The ability to produce large amounts of electricity on planetary surfaces using a fission surface energy system would allow for large-scale exploration, the creation of human outposts and the use of on site resources, while allowing the possibility of commercialization. “
One major partner currently working with NASA is the Idaho National Laboratory, a research facility that focuses on achieving the goal of a nuclear facility on the moon. Scientists believe six years is a realistic timeline and are currently working to explore how power conversion, heat rejection and space flight technology can enable NASA’s plans.
In essence, the planned reactor will operate via a nuclear core that generates heat for transfer to the energy conversion system. This energy can then be converted into electricity and used to power any number of devices, including home bases for astronauts who venture into deep space.
Over 22 companies have responded to the open call for industry interest, but while they are said to have experience in the aerospace, nuclear and energy conversion sectors, only a handful (Blue Origin and BWXT) have been named.
At this stage, the second round proposals will be launched in early 2021, so while we’re still a long way from knowing how NASA’s proposal will turn out, there’s a lot of excitement to be expected. Space travel is still in its infancy and there is so much to explore.
NASA’s nuclear power plans could be the key to unlocking the next phase of space exploration.
Source link
