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The next leap forward of humanity could be achieved by next-generation nuclear technology, said Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator.
At the sixth meeting of the National Space Council (CNS), today (August 20), the NASA chief praised the potential of nuclear thermal propulsion, which would control the heat rejected by fission reactions to speed up thrusters such as hydrogen at huge speeds.
Spacecraft equipped with such engines could reach Mars in three or four months, about half as fast as possible in a traditional chemical-powered vehicle, said NSC panel member Rex Geveden, president and chief executive officer. from BWX Technologies Inc.
Related: Ultra-fast spacecraft propulsion concepts (Images)
And it's a big problem for NASA, which works at bring astronauts to Mars in the 2030s.
"It absolutely changes the game for what NASA is trying to achieve," said Bridenstine. "This gives us the opportunity to really protect life when we talk about the radiation dose when we travel between Earth and Mars."
This dose increases, of course, the long stays of astronauts in distant spaces, far from the protective bubble of the terrestrial magnetosphere. And recent research suggests that the radiation dose accumulated by Mars-related astronauts could damage their brains, affecting their moods as well as their ability to learn and remember.
Bridenstine also emphasized the utility of nuclear thermal propulsion for applications closer to home. For example, the increase in power could potentially allow the guns in orbit around the Earth to get out of the firing line of anti-satellite weapons, he said.
These weapons are being developed by both China and Russia, said Joseph Maguire, acting US director of national intelligence, at today's CND meeting.
"Both countries consider the ability to attack space systems and services as part of their broader efforts to deter or defeat an adversary in combat," Maguire said. "In short, the threat to American and allied space systems continues to grow."
In the area of national security, Geveden said small fission reactors could also provide off-grid power to advanced and remote military bases.
"You can certainly imagine using a compact, high-temperature gas reactor to power a directed energy weapon, for example," said Geveden.[The U.S. is] using diesel fuel now, but it's not sustainable on a sustained battle ".
This reference to high power lasers has attracted Bridenstine's attention. He asked Geveden if such technology could be used to divert an incoming asteroid and desorb the waste from space. The potential is there in both cases, answered Geveden.
Bridenstine then turned to Vice President Mike Pence, who chairs the NAC. "I think, Mr. Vice President, that the United States of America should take advantage of an incredible opportunity," Bridenstine said.
The nation may already be on this path. In May, the House Appropriations Committee approved a bill allocating $ 22.3 billion to NASA – including $ 125 million to develop nuclear thermal propulsion technology. Congress also provided $ 100 million for the same purpose during the 2019 fiscal year.
Nuclear thermal propulsion should not be confused with thermoelectric generator with radioisotopes (RTG) tech. RTGs convert the heat generated by the radioactive decay of plutonium into electricity, which then feeds instruments and other spacecraft. NASA has been using RTGs for decades; they propelled some of the agency's most famous planetary explorers, including the Voyager twin probes, the Cassini Saturn probe and the Mars Curiosity rover.
Other nuclear technologies could also contribute to exploration. For example, researchers are developing a small fusion reactor that could power crewed outposts on the Moon and Mars. This "Kilopower reactor" could be ready for a flight demonstration in 2022 If NASA wishes, members of the project team recently said.
The NSC helps to guide the country's space policy. President Donald Trump returned to the board in 2017; his last activity dates back to the early 90s.
Mike Wall's book on the search for extraterrestrial life, "Over there"(Grand Central Publishing, 2018, illustrated by Karl Tate), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us on twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook.
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