The depths of space have always been the ultimate goal of human exploration. Now, the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's "Agile Earth-Moon Space Action Demonstration Rocket" project seems to have injected new vitality into this goal.
Lockheed Martin has become a key driver of this space exploration, and they are working hard to design the rocket on which they have high hopes. And this is not an ordinary rocket, but an engine equipped with a nuclear thermal propulsion engine that will play a huge role in future space voyages.
The nuclear thermal propulsion engine sounds exciting. This is not your average propulsion system, but an extremely efficient technology, which has the advantage not only of shortening flight times, but also of being able to carry much larger payloads. This technology is not only an outstanding work of Lockheed Martin, but also an advanced research program with more than $33.7 million invested by the United States.
Nuclear fission is the key behind this engine. Unlike ordinary propulsion systems, the nuclear fission engine can do much more than simple propulsion, and as the U.S. Department of Defense puts it, it is an adventure that leads to a technological revolution. Space Nuclear and BWX Technologies were also involved, working together to design a nuclear-powered spacecraft capable of carrying this engine.
This technology demonstration will take full advantage of nuclear fission to power the Stirling engine, producing a staggering 6 kilowatt to 20 kilowatt of electricity. Not only is this technology more efficient than conventional solar cells, but it also doesn't need to be exposed to sunlight. Lockheed Martin emphasizes that this power output is four times that of conventional batteries, providing a more durable power for space exploration.
Barry Myers, Project Manager at Jetson, enthused: "The development of nuclear fission in space applications will dramatically change the way we explore the vastness of space. "This is not only a technological breakthrough, but also a redefinition of the future of space exploration.
The key to this technology demonstration is how the energy output of the nuclear fission engine can be used to drive the Stirling engine. The Stirling engine, a key component that will power future outposts on the Moon and Mars, has been validated in NASA's Kilowatt Reactor Using Stirling Technology (Krusty) project.
The fission engine is inert at launch and must wait until the Jetson spacecraft enters Earth's orbit before it starts. This design not only ensures safety, but also provides a solid foundation for the entire project. Once the fission reactor releases a powerful amount of energy, electricity will power the Hall-effect thrusters. This thruster has already been successfully used on the LM2100 satellite of Lockheed Martin.
While the main goal of the fission engine is to provide enough power to propel space vehicles, its impact is not limited to that. The fission engine will also provide power to on-board systems and payloads, providing a one-stop-shop for all aspects of space exploration.
This is not only a technological breakthrough, but also a redefinition of the future of space exploration. Lockheed Martin said the spacecraft with a nuclear fission engine will greatly enhance its ability to maneuver and power, creating new possibilities for future military operations in the Space Force.
And in this race for space technology, Lockheed Martin is not alone. In addition to them, Houston-based Intuition Machine received $9.4 million to develop a spacecraft with a compact radioisotope power system. South Carolina-based Westinghouse** Services has also received funding to research the high-power fission systems needed for future spacecraft.
This space race is becoming an outlet in the field of science and technology. Numerous companies are rushing to develop and try to make their mark in this uncharted territory. This is not only a competition of technology, but also a contest of national strength.
Overall, this breakthrough in nuclear fission technology will inject new impetus into future space exploration. And not only in the military sphere.
In the field of science and technology, this innovation will give birth to more possibilities. Lockheed Martin's efforts are not only for the future military operations of the Space Force, but also for a new era of space exploration. This is a change that cannot be ignored, and let us all look forward to what kind of miracles will be ushered in in the future of space.