NASA Testing Space Nuclear Reactor in Mars which Transforms Resources into Oxygen, Water and Fuel

Washington: With the increase in technological advancements all over, NASA is testing a space nuclear reactor which could ‘empower’ the mark of a new beginning on Mars Planet. With this, the future astronauts can live on Mars by energizing the habitats and running on different spot processing equipments. Thus, the following will transform resources on Mars into water, oxygen and fuel.

The pioneering Kilopower reactor has represented a small and simple methodology for long lasting duration and sun-independent electricity surfaces for space or extraterrestrial surfaces.

With such a boost in technology, a prolonged life and reliability can be obtained from such projects. This type of technology can produce one to ten kilowatts of electric power relentlessly for 10 years or even more.

This prototype power system utilizes a solid, cast uranium-235 reactor core which is of a size of a paper towel roll. Via the passive heat pipes, the reactor heat is transferred. The given heat is then converted to electricity by high-efficiency Stirling engines.

A Stirling engine utilizes that heat to develop different pressure forces which moves any piston and is coupled to an alternator for production of electricity which shares its resemblance with that of an automobile engine.

“The Kilopower test program will give us confidence that this technology is ready for space flight development. We will also be checking various analytical models along the way for verification of how well the hardware is working,” said Lee Mason which is a member of Nasa’s Space technology Mission Directorate (STMD).

With the help of a space nuclear reactor, a high energy density power source with an immense ability to function independent solar energy or orientation and the capability to perform at any harsh environments will be provided.

For human exploration, the novel-energy providing technology also makes possibility for a modular option on Mars. In addition, the fusion power could expand the feasible landing site Mars for inclusion of the high northern latitudes where there may be an availability of ice.

Moving the whole power system from ground testing straight through the space is an achievable objective, said Don Palac, Kilopower project Manager.

When we look towards the future, Mason proposed that this technology would be ideal for further lunar exploration objectives too.