Why NASA wants a nuclear power plant on the moon

NASA wants to return to the moon. Moreover, With the return of Donald Trump to the oval office. Therefore, the natural satellite of the earth is the largest (and the only) objective of the agency. Therefore, But if the ambitions of the 47th President of the United States do not really have limits. For example, he wants, at the same time, to make big savings.

Faced with this dilemma, NASA reflects on all the solutions at its disposal. In addition, She considers in particular Build a nuclear power plant on the surface of the moon. Therefore, If the idea may seem completely above ground. However, it meets a concrete need, vital even to any human exploration outside the orbit.

Without energy, no life – Why nasa wants nuclear power

Living in the moon (and later March) cannot be done without energy. Electricity is a compulsory constant to all distant why nasa wants nuclear power exploration missions. If solar panels have been a solution (used by Rovers for decades), their production is not reliable. It even falls at zero during the long lunar nights, which last for terrestrial weeks.

A call for tenders should quickly be published by NASA. He will bet on the design and sending of a reactor capable of producing 100 kwatts of electricity. Regarding the radioactive materials necessary for its operation. it is not yet known when or how they will join the moon.

NASA wants to do quickly

If the constant need for energy pushes NASA to seriously consider the idea of a nuclear power plant on the moon. other motivations agitate the American space agency. Its interim administrator, Sean Duffy, explains it very clearly. « It is essential to act quickly. »»

For good reason. a few months ago, Beijing and then Moscow announced in turn wanting to build why nasa wants nuclear power a nuclear power plant on the moon. They should see the light of day before 2030. “The first country to do so [installer un réacteur nucléaire sur la Lune] could potentially declare an exclusion zone. which would considerably prevent the United States from establishing the presence provided within the framework of the Artémis program ” Assures Sean Duffy, aware that this race for space has never borne its name so well.

The quest for exclusivity?

The concerns of NASA are very real. especially since the interesting areas to settle permanently on the Moon are not numerous. The southern pole of our satellite is one of the targeted regions.

If China or Russia manages to install a nuclear reactor, it could condemn the area and thus exclude other nations. The precious resources present on site (especially water in the form of ice). will therefore be at the sole provision of this why nasa wants nuclear power nation. In other words: first arrival, first served.

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