Most satellites in space use solar energy and batteries as a power source. However, the first satellites did not use solar panels, but nuclear energy to function. Exploration ships such as Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 have radioisotope thermoelectric generators , and all missions that cannot depend on the Sun use these types of generators, such as the recent New Horizons on Mars. And the United States wants to use it on more ships.
This has been revealed by SpaceNews, which affirms that the United States Department of Defense has requested the creation of nuclear propulsion systems that would allow small and medium-sized spacecraft and satellites to move around the Earth and beyond our orbit.
New powerful nuclear propulsion system
This new nuclear system would have a high delta-v (more than 36 km / h) to have a good thrust, with a weight of just 2,000 kg. With this propulsion system, electricity can be supplied to the load, while keeping it warm to minimize the effects of radiation from space.
This system will not be used to get humans to Mars, but it can be used for satellites and other spacecraft. According to the request of the Department of Defense, they want ” light, portable and long-lasting power sources that can support the propulsion and the energy to operate the detection and communication equipment in small and medium-sized spacecraft.”
This makes it easier to carry out missions beyond Earth orbit , where current electrical and solar systems are not the best option because they are too bulky, according to the Department of Defense.
This year we will know the first prototypes
Companies have until September 23 to submit their proposals, and contracts will be awarded between 60 and 90 days later . NASA is already developing its own nuclear system, and the first functional prototype is expected in 3-5 years. The systems NASA is funding use fission power and power sources such as nuclear thermal propulsion.
One of the main drawbacks they have with these systems is their safety, since they want to minimize radiation exposure to ground personnel during the integration of the fuel into the spacecraft, as well as prevent radiation from affecting the components that are there. board.
In short, nuclear propulsion systems will continue to play a key role in the coming decades of space exploration , and the development of systems that allow greater flexibility and that help reduce dependence on the Sun, as well as reduce energy, will be sought. take-off contamination.