NASA aims to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon. Therefore, it claims to be open to possible proposals to build nuclear reactors off the planet. According to the US space agency report, the team wants to build a fission surface energy source as a possible support for human life on Earth’s natural satellite.
“Providing a reliable and high-powered system on the Moon is a vital step in human space exploration, and achieving it is within our reach,” said Sebastian Corbisiero, leader of the Fission Surface Energy Project in the lab, in a statement. .
A new boost to fission energy
The idea is to verify that if this project to install a reactor on the Moon is successful, the next thing would be to locate another one like it on Mars. NASA says that the energy from the fission surface could provide abundant and sustained energy regardless of environmental conditions, whether on the Moon or on Mars.
“I hope that fission surface energy systems will greatly benefit our energy architecture plans for the Moon and Mars and even drive innovation for uses here on Earth, ” explained Jim Reuter, Associate Administrator of the Mission Directorate. of Space Technology of NASA.
Open to proposals
According to NASA, a small and lightweight fission system, capable of operating on a lunar lander or lunar surface rover, could provide up to 10 kilowatts of electrical power, which would be enough to meet the electricity demands of various homes. Average – To run life support systems, charge lunar vehicles, and help scientists conduct experiments.
The system must operate without human intervention and be transferable from one place to another during lunar exploration. And that does not exceed 6 kgs in weight.
The submission date for requests for proposals for the design of the system would be until February 19, 2022.
