NASA eyes nuclear power plants that'll generate energy on the Moon and Mars

NASA is reportedly considering building nuclear power plants that will work on Moon and Mars, to make human life possible on or planets. On Friday, research ncy sought ideas from private sector on how nuclear power could be used in outer .

A nuclear research facility in eastern Idaho, Energy Department, and NASA will evaluate all ideas submitted by private sector for reactor. It says that small nuclear reactors can provide energy for conducting exploration missions.

Energy Department, NASA, and Battelle Energy Alliance will hold an industry meeting in August to discuss prospects for program. BEA is contractor that mans Idaho National Laboratory.

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Dual phased program

It is a dual phased plan wherein first is to develop a reactor design. second is to develop a test reactor along with a second reactor to be sent to Moon. A flight system and lander will also be developed for transporting reactor to Moon.

NASA expects to build reactor, flight system, and lander ready for launch by end of 2026. reactor must generate constant energy output of at least 10 kilowatts, weigh less than 7,700 pounds and run for at least ten years. Ten kilowatts is t much power as aver house in US uses 11,000 kilowatt-hours per year of electricity. NASA is likely to develop multiple linked reactors to meet power demands on moon or Mars.

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(Im credits: NASA)