Space nuclear reactors help to colonize Mars

Kilopower space will provide electricity for future Martian residents, turning the planet into a realization.

The technology of space nuclear reactors in the Kilometer program by the US Aerospace Agency (NASA) could revolutionize the International Business Times on November 16. NASA will begin testing the program this month. Kilometers can play a key role in the future process.

Technology of nuclear reactor space.(Video: International Business Times).

According to NASA, space nuclear reactor technology can power Mars residents, transforming resources on the red planet into water, oxygen and fuel, all, all things. necessary conditions for people to live permanently on Mars.

"A space nuclear reactor can provide a high energy source with the ability to operate independently of sunlight and the ability to operate in harsh environments such as the Martian surface , " Patrick McClure , the head of the Kilopower project at Los Alamos National Laboratory said.

David Poston, the chief designer of the reactor, said the technology could also be used in NASA's other space exploration missions. However, this pioneering project requires simplicity."Simplicity is needed for any unique pioneering project. We need not only the simplest design, but also the simplest way of manufacturing, safety and testing." , Poston said.

Kilopower can produce electricity continuously for 10 years or more in the harsh environment of Mars. Technology does not depend on it, meaning it can meet the demand for electricity both at night or during long periods of dusty storms obscuring.

"Technology helps solve many problems and brings a regular power source no matter where you are on Mars. Fission energy can extend the possible landing position on the red planet, including latitudes. High in ice, where ice can exist, "said Lee Mason, senior technology engineer at the Space Technology Steering Committee.

Mars colony in the future.(Photo: Outerplaces).

"The big difference between all the great things we've done on Mars and what we need to do to accomplish the human mission on the planet is electricity. This new technology can provide kilowatt. and even developed to provide hundreds of kilowatt or megawatt of electricity, we call it the Kilopower project, our testing program is on track to start, " Mason said.

According to NASA, the Kilopower project's test system will include a solid uranium-235 reactor core the size of a coil core. The sodium heat pipes will be used to heat the reactor, which then converts into electricity thanks to the high-performance Stirling engine. Stirling engines are like car engines, using heat to create pressure, thereby producing electricity.

According to Mason, the hardware of the Kilopower system will undergo a step-by-step testing process lasting about 28 hours. The test will take place in the US Department of Energy's Nevada test area.