{"id":267170,"date":"2025-08-15T08:34:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T22:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=901246"},"modified":"2025-08-15T08:34:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T22:34:13","slug":"nasa-seeks-industry-feedback-on-fission-surface-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=267170","title":{"rendered":"NASA Seeks Industry Feedback on Fission Surface Power"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As part of the agency\u2019s initiative to return humanity to the Moon and eventually send the first astronaut \u2013 an American \u2013 to Mars, NASA is surveying industry for interest and feedback on a fission surface power system, through a Request for Information<\/a> issued Thursday.<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, NASA declared its intent to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the mid-2030s to support lunar exploration, provide power generation on Mars, and strengthen national security in space.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday\u2019s call for industry input is an important step toward engaging the commercial space industry in powering the lunar economy and enabling future human exploration on Mars,\u201d said Steve Sinacore, Fission Surface Power program executive at NASA\u2019s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. \u201cDeveloping a safe, reliable, and efficient power supply is key to unlocking the future of human space exploration and ensuring America retains its dominance in space.\u201d<\/p>\n

Building on its previous work, NASA will work with industry to design a fission surface power system that would provide at least 100 kilowatts of electrical power, have a mass allocation of less than 15 metric tons, and use a closed Brayton cycle power conversion system, which converts heat to electricity.<\/p>\n

NASA\u2019s new Fission Surface Power effort builds on more than 60 years of agency experience in exploration technology. In 2022, NASA awarded three contracts for fission surface power system concepts for the Moon. In addition, NASA has used nuclear power sources in spacecraft and rovers over the years.<\/p>\n

The size, weight, and power capability of fission systems make them an effective continuous power supply regardless of location. Additionally, a nuclear reactor could be placed in lunar regions where sunlight cannot reach and could sustain nights on the Moon which can last more than 14 Earth days near the poles.<\/p>\n

Nuclear power is a key element for NASA\u2019s Artemis missions and supporting a robust lunar economy. The Request for Information invites innovators to contribute to this effort, allowing NASA to access industry expertise and bolstering American ingenuity.<\/p>\n

Responses to the Request for Information are due Thursday, Aug. 21, and could be used to finalize a potential opportunity later this year.<\/p>\n

The Fission Surface Power effort is managed through NASA Glenn. The power system development is funded by the agency\u2019s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate Moon to Mars Program.<\/p>\n

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