NASA Seeks Industry Input for Fission Surface Power System Development

As part of its ambitious Moon and Mars exploration plan, NASA is now seeking input from industry experts on developing a fission surface power system. This move aligns with the agency's goal of returning humanity to the Moon and setting the stage for a manned mission to Mars. The Fission Surface Power system is expected to provide at least 100 kilowatts of electrical power, have a mass allocation of less than 15 metric tons, and use a closed Brayton cycle power conversion system. This effort builds on NASA's extensive experience in exploration technology, dating back over 60 years.

Key Takeaways:

• NASA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry input on developing a fission surface power system.
• The power system is expected to provide at least 100 kilowatts of electrical power, with a mass allocation of less than 15 metric tons.
• The power system will use a closed Brayton cycle power conversion system, which converts heat to electricity.
• The Fission Surface Power effort builds on NASA's previous work, including the agency's experience with nuclear power sources in spacecraft and rovers.
• NASA aims to use nuclear power to support its Artemis missions and establish a robust lunar economy.
• The Request for Information invites innovators to contribute to this effort, with responses due on Thursday, Aug. 21.

Statistics:

• 100 kilowatts: minimum power output expected from the fission surface power system.
• 15 metric tons: maximum mass allocation for the power system.
• 60+ years: duration of NASA's experience in exploration technology.
• 14 Earth days: length of nights on the Moon in polar regions, which could be sustained by a nuclear reactor.
• 2022: year in which NASA awarded three contracts for fission surface power system concepts.
• 2022: Today's call for industry input is an important step toward engaging the commercial space industry in powering the lunar economy and enabling future human exploration on Mars, as stated by Steve Sinacore, Fission Surface Power program executive.

Sources:

• [1] NASA: Request for Information on Fission Surface Power System Development - NASA's Glenn Research Center
• [2] NASA's Fission Surface Power program announcement, as stated by Steve Sinacore