A team of researchers from NASA and Los Alamos National Laboratory have demonstrated a new reactor concept that combines a Stirling engine with modern heat pipe cooling technology to provide a power source for future space missions.
NASA engineers are actively investigating nuclear fission as a possible source of energy for a lunar outpost and the agency has signed contracts for the first stages of the development of a demonstration system.
.jpg "Curiosity rover (NASA)")
A team of researchers from NASA and Los Alamos National Laboratory have demonstrated a new reactor concept that combines a Stirling engine with modern heat pipe cooling technology to provide a power source for future space missions.
Nasa's Curiosity Mars rover has carried out the first ever measurements of radiation on another planet. Its findings suggest that astronauts would be able to live on the surface of Mars for long enough to carry out extended missions..jpg "Mars Hopper (INL)")
Small rovers that hop from place to place are being developed for future Mars missions. Powered by nuclear energy, they could map the entire planet in a few years..jpg "Lunar reactor (NASA)")
NASA engineers are actively investigating nuclear fission as a possible source of energy for a lunar outpost and the agency has signed contracts for the first stages of the development of a demonstration system.