NASA Taps Companies to Build Compact Nuclear Reactors for Moon and Mars Exploration
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NASA is developing small nuclear fission reactors to provide reliable, long-term power on the Moon and eventually Mars.
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Three companies - Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX - were contracted to create reactor designs to support lunar bases for at least a decade.
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Nuclear power can operate regardless of sunlight, overcoming the challenge of the 14-day lunar nights.
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The reactor specs require less than 6 metric tons weight and 40 kilowatts power - enough for 33 homes on Earth.
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After testing on the Moon in the 2030s, NASA will redesign the reactors for eventual use on Mars.