In a significant development, NASA and the Department of Energy have joined forces to propel lunar exploration forward. The two agencies have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of nuclear reactors for the moon, a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. This partnership, centered around NASA's Fission Surface Power (FSP) program, aims to create a nuclear reactor capable of operating on the moon, with a target power output of at least 100 kilowatts. The system is expected to be ready for launch by the end of 2029. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the importance of harnessing nuclear power to drive future space exploration. "America is committed to returning to the moon, building the infrastructure to stay and making the investments required for the next giant leap to Mars and beyond," he stated. The collaboration between NASA and the Department of Energy is not new, with the two agencies having worked together on nuclear power systems for decades. A notable example is the Kilowatt Reactor Using Stirling Technology (KRUSTY) project, which conducted ground tests of a nuclear reactor that could later be flown in space. The memorandum of understanding outlines the division of responsibilities for the FSP program, with NASA managing and funding the program, and providing the Department of Energy with ← →
WASHINGTON — NASA and the Department of Energy have agreed to work together on development of nuclear reactors for the moon as industry awaits the ...You might also find this interesting: See here
No comments:
Post a Comment