From interplanetary spaceships to lunar reactors, our future in space looks nucl

[Marlin]

From interplanetary spaceships to lunar reactors, our future in space looks nuclear‑powered

https://theconversation.com/from-interplanetary-spaceships-to-lunar-reactors-our-future-in-space-looks-nuclear-powered-282247

[Core Content]

NASA plans to launch the Space Reactor-1 Freedom mission by December 2028, marking a move toward nuclear-powered interplanetary travel. Additionally, the agency aims to deploy small fission reactors on the Moon by 2030 to support the Artemis program, providing consistent power during the long lunar night for a permanent surface presence.

These developments signal a shift toward using fission reactors for propulsion and infrastructure beyond Earth, moving beyond traditional radioisotope power systems. For the nuclear industry, this expansion necessitates rigorous safety standards and international coordination to manage risks like launch failures or uncontrolled re-entry. Current multilateral frameworks remain non-binding, placing the burden of safety and liability on individual states and private actors.

Any talk of nuclear futures in space obliges us to learn from nuclear pasts.

Interplanetary travel to Mars aboard nuclear-powered spaceships may sound like science fiction – yet NASA is planning to make it a reality.

The Space Reactor-1 Freedom mission is scheduled for launch by December 2028 to explore Mars, with NASA heralding it as "the first nuclear-powered interplanetary spacecraft".

NASA also has plans to deploy a small nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 for its Artemis program, though any reactor on the lunar surface would look nothing like the large nuclear power plants found on Earth. And the White House has moved to establish a National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power.

Read the full article at The Conversation:
https://theconversation.com/from-interplanetary-spaceships-to-lunar-reactors-our-future-in-space-looks-nuclear-powered-282247