The U.S. Defense Innovation Unit (IUD) is working to test prototypes of nuclear power in space by 2027. The move comes just months after Vice President Kamala Harris said the U.S. would no longer do so. harmful experiments by satellite in orbit.
IUD has awarded contracts to two companies: Avalanche Energy to demonstrate next-generation nuclear propulsion, including the spacecraft’s energy capacity, and Ultra Safe Nuclear. Both companies will conduct new tests that will allow small spacecraft to operate in cislunar orbit (between the earth and the moon). Companies will also strive to create high-powered payloads to support the Department of Defense’s push into space.
The director of the Advanced Nuclear Power and Propulsion Program, IUD, Major Ryan Weed, said, “Advanced nuclear technologies will provide the speed, power, and responsiveness to maintain an operational advantage in space.” It seems that the United States is helping commercial companies, including start-ups, to innovate in nuclear technology in space.
What to expect?
An Orbitron device, developed by Avalanche Energy, will help the fusion, producing energy particles that will generate electricity or heat. This energy can be used to power advanced propulsion systems. This concept of fusion is much more effective compared to other concepts of fusion. Orbitron devices are considered effective for space applications, as they can be reduced to different sizes, allowing them to be used for propulsion and power source.
According to Ultra Safe Nuclear, it will demonstrate an encapsulated nuclear radioisotope, an EmberCore rechargeable battery that will power applications in space. The radioisotope system will be able to produce 10 times higher power levels and 1 million kWh of energy in just a few kilograms of fuel compared to the plutonium system.
With that in mind, upcoming space missions will require more electricity to expand spacecraft capabilities for orbital change, the transfer of materials between space shuttles, and more.
Apart from the DOD, NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) aim to adapt nuclear fission approaches to larger spacecraft. In addition, on May 4, DARPA announced that the company is ready to move forward with the design of its project to assemble a nuclear thermal rocket engine. The first flight demonstration is expected to take place in 2026.
News summary:
- After banning harmful satellite testing, the United States intends to use nuclear power systems in space.
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