NASA is one step closer to completing nuclear power, about 238,900 miles from Earth.
The Space Agency and the US Department of Energy have selected three design concept proposals for fission surface power systems located on the Moon.
We expect the reactor to operate the rover, conduct experiments, andgenerate the power needed to sustain life.
Scientists say that the concept of this technology will help future exploration under the umbrella of Artemis and be ready to launch by the end of the decade. It says it's done. The
contract will last for at least 10 years in a lunar environment and will fund the development of an initial design concept for a 40-kilowatt-class fission power generation system, each worth about $ 5 million. say. 40 kW of electricity is enough to keep 30 households running for 10 years.
The Department of Energy's Aidaho National Laboratory has signed a 12-month contract with the following companies, each developing a preliminary design.
- Lockheed MartinBethesda, Maryland – The company will partner with BWXT and Creare.
- Westinghouse in Cranberry Township, PA – The company will partner with Aerojet Rocketdyne.
- A joint venture between Intuitive Machines and X-Energy, IX, Houston, Texas – the company will partner with Maxar and Boeing.
"The fission surface power generation project is highly achievable for the United States. The first step is to set up anuclear power plant on the moon, "said John Wagner, director of the National Institute of Idaho. "We are looking forward to what each of these teams will achieve."
"Sufficient energy will be key to future space exploration." Jim Reuters, deputy administrator of NASA's Space Technology Mission (STMD) in Washington, said. "We hope that the fission surface power system will bring significant benefits to the planning of the Moon and Mars power architecture, and will further drive innovation for use on Earth."
This system Is relatively small and lightweight compared to other power systems. The fission system is reliable and enables continuous power supply regardless of location, sunlight or other natural environmental conditions.
According to NASA, Phase 1 of the program will provide important information from the industry that may lead to the collaborative development of a complete flight-certified fission power generation system.
"Developing these early designs will help us lay the foundation for strengthening our long-term human presence in other worlds," Reuters said. Told.
Fission surface power technology will also help NASA mature the nuclear propulsion system . This system relies on a nuclear reactor to generate electricity and may be used in deep space exploration missions.
