NASA Plans to Build Nuclear Power Plant on the Moon

While humanity is now at the stage of preparing for long-term and long-distance space missions, US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)has made significant progress. The agency, together with the US Department of Energy, has selected three concept designs that will take the first step in nuclear energy studies in space.

The three designs will be on the Moon by the end of 2030 in the US.fission surface energy system‘ was chosen as part of the plans to establish it. In this context, NASA, which plans to reach the Moon with Artemis, has started planning to provide energy on the Moon’s surface with the project. To be instrumental in the initial development of the design concept for all three selected designs $5 million budget will be provided.

What will the technology do?

These fission systems are smaller and lighter than other energy systems, and their center is It can produce energy regardless of its location, how much sunlight it receives and environmental conditions. This paves the way for providing energy for long-term Moon and Mars missions. Jim Reuter, co-director of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, also defines the technology as follows:

“New technology allows us to explore the Moon, Mars and beyond. Developing these early designs will help us lay the groundwork for strengthening our long-term human presence on other worlds.”

Which companies’ designs were chosen for the project?

NASA announced the developers and partners of the designs selected within the scope of the project as follows:

• Lockheed Martin (in partnership with BWXT and Creare)
• Westinghouse (in partnership with Aerojet Rocketdyne)
• IX (in partnership with Maxar and Boeing)

Fission surface energy technologies are NASA’s technologies that rely on reactors to generate power. to the maturation of nuclear propulsion systems It will help.