NASA Will Put A Nuclear Reactor On The Moon Before This Decade Ends

In hopes of supporting life on the Moon, NASA now wants to put a nuclear reactor on our natural satellite. NASA and the US Department of Energy have selected three design concepts for a proposed fission surface power system to be permanently stationed on the Moon, Fox reported.

In the long run, a nuclear reactor can help produce power to operate rovers, to conduct experiments, and to essentially support human life on the Moon.

Scientists are positive that the tech will benefit future exploration of the Moon as part of the upcoming Artemis missions. If all goes well, the reactor could be launched before the end of this decade.

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What do we know about this reactor?

According to the contracts, the development of a 40-kilowatt class fission power system will kick off soon. NASA hopes that the reactor would power humans on the Moon for at least a decade. Each reactor is slated to cost $5 million, NASA says.

How much 40-kilowatt of power? It is enough to run 30 households for ten years continuously, the report adds.?

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Also read:?Lunar Soil Has Potential To Generate Oxygen And Fuel For Future Moon Missions

Three companies have been awarded 12-month contracts by the US Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory. These include Lockheed Martin (in partnership with BWXT and Creare), Westinghouse (in partnership?with Aerojet Rocketdyne), IX (in partnership with Maxar and Boeing).

Scientists want to build a small and lightweight reactor to support life on Moon. The best part of fission reactors is that they function regardless of the location, sunlight, and environmental conditions.

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Also read:?Scientists Grow Plants In Moon Soil For The First Time In Latest Breakthrough

"I expect fission surface power systems to greatly benefit our plans for power architectures for the Moon and Mars and even drive innovation for uses here on Earth," said Jim Reuter, associate administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) in Washington.

What do you think nuclear reactors on the Moon? Let us know in the comments below.??For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.

References

Weather, F. (2022, June 26). NASA wants to put nuclear reactor on the moon, hopes to support lunar life. New York Post.?