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NASA Runs Successful First Tests of Compact Nuclear Reactor for Mars Base
gizmodo. ^ | Ryan F. Mandelbaum

Posted on 01/19/2018 6:27:23 PM PST by BenLurkin

01/18/2018

NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy successfully performed their initial tests on a miniature nuclear power system, and will try a more developed test in March.

Reuters reports: Months-long testing began in November at the energy department’s Nevada National Security Site, with an eye toward providing energy for future astronaut and robotic missions in space and on the surface of Mars, the moon or other solar system destinations.

You may remember that human astronauts walked on the moon only a handful of times back in the 1960s and 1970s, and never for longer than three consecutive days. Longer missions planned for Mars, like the one depicted in Andy Weir’s The Martian, would require a power system—one that can handle the planet’s frigid nights, dust storms, and a more distant sun.

Those are the problems NASA’s Kilopower project hopes to solve with a compact nuclear fission reactor that uses a uranium-235 reactor core “roughly the size of a paper towel roll,” reports Reuters. The reactor would provide 10 kilowatts of power, “enough to run two average households... continuously for at least ten years,” according to a NASA release. Four units would be required to operate an outpost, it continues.

(Excerpt) Read more at gizmodo.com ...


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: energy; mars; nasa; nuclear; nuclearenergy; reactors
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To: Telepathic Intruder

I want a plasma rifle in the 40 watt range.


21 posted on 01/19/2018 8:26:17 PM PST by BipolarBob (At one time I held the world record as the worlds youngest person on the planet.)
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To: HangnJudge

soe gmo genetic engineering may make some more edible plants able to grow in a tougher colder environment, albeit probably still somewhat sheltered and protected.


22 posted on 01/19/2018 8:27:28 PM PST by Secret Agent Man ( Gone Galt; Not averse to Going Bronson.)
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To: BenLurkin
Is that shot the complete unit?

See no mention of radiation shielding. Waste heat totally absorbed by the heat engine? Even if not much load on the engine?

Was told that the reactor on our SSN nuke subs is about the size of an older floor standing Xerox machine, but the cooling and other plumbing adds enormously to the system size.

23 posted on 01/19/2018 8:40:46 PM PST by doorgunner69 (Give me the liberty to take care of my own security..........)
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To: doorgunner69

I don’t know.


24 posted on 01/19/2018 8:43:52 PM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is either satire or opinion. Or both.)
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To: BenLurkin

Other than saying “yeah, we did this” what purpose or benefit is there in placing a manned station on Mars?


25 posted on 01/19/2018 8:47:45 PM PST by sageburn
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To: sageburn

Hopefully it will be self-sustain at some point. Sooner rather than later.


26 posted on 01/19/2018 8:50:43 PM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is either satire or opinion. Or both.)
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To: LukeL

Your a little late.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MHW-RTG

Pubic Skool system ain’t wat it use 2B.


27 posted on 01/19/2018 9:18:41 PM PST by wgmalabama
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To: BenLurkin

In terms of Space, Weight and Power (SWaP) tradeoffs, you can’t beat nuclear power in space. I have heard that these 10 MW space reactors are only the size of two five gallon paint buckets, and that the ten year operational life expectancy is quite conservative.

These power supplies are a critical enabler for extended stays - on Mars, the Moon or even long duration space stations. Solar panels will work on Mars (perhaps as far out as Jupiter), but they are less efficient further from the sun, and less reliable with weather. Life support depends on electrical power - Primary, Secondary and Tertiary power supplies should be pre-positioned and tested good, before any humans are sent.


28 posted on 01/19/2018 9:44:25 PM PST by BeauBo
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To: BipolarBob

“I want a plasma rifle in the 40 watt range.”

Just what you see here, pal.

L


29 posted on 01/19/2018 9:56:06 PM PST by Lurker (President Trump isn't our last chance. President Trump is THEIR last chance.)
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To: doorgunner69

Well, -89


30 posted on 01/19/2018 10:33:43 PM PST by NativeSon ( Grease the floor with Crisco when I dance the Disco)
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To: Fungi

Re: “but what is the point?”

Any chance there is dormant interstellar fungi preserved on the Moon or Mars?


31 posted on 01/19/2018 11:05:44 PM PST by zeestephen
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To: BenLurkin

I want one. 2 avg houses for 10 years would like take me and the Mrs. to the end of our lives.


32 posted on 01/20/2018 4:47:36 AM PST by reed13k
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To: BipolarBob

40 watts is like a pea shooter.


33 posted on 01/20/2018 6:32:08 AM PST by Telepathic Intruder
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To: Telepathic Intruder

Agreed. it should have been a 40 MW plasma rifle but I didn’t write the script.


34 posted on 01/20/2018 6:34:37 AM PST by BipolarBob (At one time I held the world record as the worlds youngest person on the planet.)
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To: Lurker

You know your weapons pal, I may go home early.

On another note if the Terminator would have showed up in today’s California, he wouldn’t have been able to get his his fully auto Uzi...


35 posted on 01/20/2018 6:50:29 AM PST by shotgun
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To: shotgun

“he wouldn’t have been able to get his his fully auto Uzi...”

Or that SPAS 12.

L


36 posted on 01/20/2018 6:51:28 AM PST by Lurker (President Trump isn't our last chance. President Trump is THEIR last chance.)
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To: doorgunner69

Maybe they are using sodium? I’m sure the fuel assembly is quite small and only contains a few fuel pellets

Another guess could be at -89f maybe it’s air cooled like my Harley. /s


37 posted on 01/20/2018 6:55:25 AM PST by shotgun
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