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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
Houston Geological Society Bulletin
Abstract
Abstract: Nuclear
Power
in Space Exploration and on Earth:
An Overview
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P.H.M.D. Campbell and
Associates, L.P.
When Apollo 11 touched down at Tranquility Base on July
20, 1969, the goal of a lunar landing envisioned by
President John F.Kennedy in 1961was realized.
The achievement of this goal depended on
the development of technologies to turn
this vision into reality. One technology that
was critical to this achievement was the harnessing
of nuclear power
systems for spacecraft.
Currently, nuclear
power
provides
power
for satellite systems and deep-space
exploratory missions. In the future, nuclear
power
will provide propulsion for spacecraft
and drive planet-based
power
systems.
The development of space-based nuclear
power
technology has run parallel to an
evolving rationale regarding the need to explore our own solar
system and beyond. Since the time of the “space race” with
the Soviets, forward-looking analysis suggested that space
exploration will one day exploit extraterrestrial natural resources.
These natural resources could enable further exploration and
provide new sources of materials that are subject to dwindling
supplies and increasing prices on Earth. Mining for increasingly
valuable commodities such as thorium and samarium is envisaged
on the Moon and on selected asteroids as a demonstration of
technology at scales never before imagined.
In addition, the discovery of helium-3 on the Moon may provide
an abundant power
source for lunar facilities or for Earth
through the use of nuclear fusion technologies. However, that
resource will remain on the shelf until the technological
challenges of fusion
power
are overcome. Some day, helium-3
may even be stockpiled on the Moon until it is needed. Clearly,
that nuclear
power
will provide the means necessary to realize
the more ambitious goals of space development.
Technological advances in other areas will provide enhanced
environmental safeguards in the use of nuclear power
and
innovative means to deliver space-derived materials to the Earth’s
surface such as a space elevator. These advances could include a
space ‘gravity tractor’ to nudge errant asteroids and other bodies
out of orbits that would collide with the Earth. Nuclear systems
will enable humankind to expand beyond
the boundaries of Earth, provide new
frontiers for exploration, protect the Earth,
and renew critical natural resources.
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