NASA is developing nuclear energy technology.

NASA astronauts will need energy resources when they return to the Moon and set up a space station here. Engineers are exploring the ability of nuclear separation to provide the necessary energy and take the first steps toward non-nuclear technology of this type of system.

A Fission Surface Power System on the Moon has the potential to produce a stable amount of electricity of 40 Kilowat, enough for about 8 apartments on Earth. It works based on the division of uranium atoms in a reactor to produce heat which is then used to convert electricity into electricity. This system can produce large amounts of energy in harsh environments such as the surface of the Moon or Mars, because it does not rely on sunlight. The most important components of this system are a source of harshness and energy distribution and regulation.

"Our goal is to build a technology testing unit with all the key components of this ground nuclear power system and perform non-nuclear system experiments in a simulated facility. ground space, " said Lee Mason, chief investigator for the experiment at NASA's Glenn Center at Cleverland.

"The long-term goal is to demonstrate technical readiness for the next decade, when NASA is expected to decide on the type of energy system to be used on the Moon."

Recently, Glenn has signed the design and analysis of two different advanced energy systems as a preliminary step in developing a complete system. These energy combinations are necessary to handle the thermal energy produced by nuclear reactors and effectively convert into crazy energy.

The first model, designed by Sunpower Company, uses two reciprocating pistons in combination with generators that produce a total of 12 kilowatts. The second contract with Barber Nichols, for the development of a closed Brayton ring engine that uses high-speed turbines and compressors in combination with a rotary generator can produce 12 kilowatts of electricity.

"The development and testing of this energy complex will be a key factor in demonstrating the availability of ground nuclear energy technology and providing NASA with practical and cost-effective choices for Nuclear energy on the Moon and Mars , " said Don Palac, project director.

After a year of design and analysis, a sample will be selected to build and test a first sample of the energy conversion complex. When completed, this combination will be combined with other major components. Glenn will develop a heat removal system and provide a space simulation facility. Glenn will also work with the Department of Energy and the Marshall Flight Space Center in Huntsville, Ala. Marshall will develop and provide a non-nuclear reactor simulator with metal liquid cooled as an energy source for this technology.

A nuclear reactor in space is much different than the systems on Earth. There are no large cooling towers, and this reactor is about the size of an office trash bin. The energy produced from a space reactor is much smaller but also sufficient for the energy needs of this project for the surface of the Moon.

Testing for the non-nuclear system will take place at Glenn in 2012 or 2013. These tests will help validate the operation of the system, develop safe and reliable control methods, Gain valuable operating experience and reduce technology risk.

The article is provided by reader Tran Ba ​​Long.
Email:longfigo.1988@gmail.com