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FISSION SURFACE POWER (FSP)

Fission Surface Power Rover on moon

Fission Surface Power System on moon. Courtesy http://spaceflight.nasa.gov

NASA has studied the use of nuclear power for lunar and Mars surface applications for many decades. The recent "Vision for Space Exploration" expressed by President Bush has renewed the interest in establishing a sustained human presence on the moon and initiating human missions to Mars. Under the President's vision, lunar surface missions would occur in the 2020's while Mars surface missions would follow in the 2030's. Power requirements for human-tended surface outposts and bases are expected to range from 25 to 100 kWe during the early build-up phases. As the base becomes fully operational with in-situ resource production and closed-loop life support, power requirements could approach 1 MW. The most mass-efficient means of providing high power for surface missions is through the use of nuclear fission systems.

Fission Surface Power Objectives:

  • Develop advanced fission based power systems for lunar and Mars surface applications
  • Conduct design studies to determine reference concept and system performance attributes
  • Conduct experimental studies to reduce the development risk of FSP components and systems

Fission Surface Power Project Overview

Real World Nuclear Power Plant Video

Approach In Developing FSP Systems:

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Department of Energy (NASA/DOE) system co-design
  • Close collaboration with Lunar/Mars Architecture teams
    • Common design for Lunar and Mars
  • Hardware-Based Risk Reduction
    • Reactor components (fuels, materials, pumps)
    • Power conversion (Stirling or Brayton)
    • Heat rejection (radiators, heat pipes, pumps)
    • Power Managment and Distribution (PMAD) Unit
  • Non-nuclear Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU)
  • Parallel analytical tool development and validation

Potential Missions for Fission Surface Power:

  • Lunar Outpost (early 2020's)
  • Mars Outpost (2030's)

Current Fission Surface Power Activities:

Thermal Energy Conversion Branch

NASA Fact

Before NASA was formed, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) was started by President Woodrow Wilson to supervise and direct the scientific study of the problems of flight. The NACA determined which problems should be experimentally worked on and discussed their solutions and their application to practical questions. The NACA also directed and conducted research and experiments in aeronautics.

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