(Artist concept of the reactor. via Galaxy Wire)
NASA and the DOE are set to create a new type of power system for use in future space exploration. The concept is a mini-fission reactor that is 1.5 feet wide and 2.5 feet high. "[It is] about the size of a carry on suitcase," said project leader James E. Werner at the 242nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Werner continued, "The biggest difference between solar and nuclear reactors is that nuclear reactors can produce power in any environment. Fission power technology doesn't rely on sunlight, making it able to produce large, steady amounts of power at night or in harsh environments like those found on the Moon or Mars. A fission power system on the Moon could generate 40 kilowatts or more of electric power, approximately the same amount of energy needed to power eight houses on Earth."
No exact word was said about how the actual device operated past saying it had a power conversion system. With a device that size, and lack of water in the destined locations, a steam turbine could not be used. From what I can gather, it will use some sort of thermal heat to electricity method. A Peltier junction, for example, could do exactly what they need.
Space exploration is not ended like NASA's shuttle program, it is just waiting for advancements like this mini-reactor to become reality.
Eavesdropper
