NASA is testing tiny nuclear reactors that can sustain life on Mars
0NASA is testing tiny nuclear reactors that can sustain life on Mars.
Mars is very much en vogue right now. NASA is focused on exploring Mars, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wants to colonize Mars, and astronomers all around the world want to learn more about Earth’s nearest neighbor. The discovery earlier this month that the planet is hiding massive water ice reserves just beneath its surface could have far-reaching ramifications, possibly giving future humans on Mars easy access to water supplies. Of course, humans would need more than water to survive on Mars.
Scientists continue to explore ways of building human habitats on Mars that are capable of sustaining life for long stretches of time. Of course, no habitat can sustain life without power, and a lack of fuel sources on Mars is a big roadblock. Moreover, sources of portable power will be needed if astronauts on Mars have any hope of embarking on meaningful expeditions. NASA is exploring a number of different solutions to these issues, and on Thursday evening it announced successful tests of machines that may provide the ideal solution.
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A team of researchers from NASA, Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Department of Energy announced during a press conference that they have successfully tested a system that can provide power and generate fuel on Mars.