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As awesome as the Kilopower reactor is, this really isn't its intended use-case - it's supposed to provide low-output, very longterm power in spacecraft and rov
by larkeith 8y ago
As awesome as the Kilopower reactor is, this really isn't its intended use-case - it's supposed to provide low-output, very longterm power in spacecraft and rovers, where mass is limited, shielding unnecessary, and maintenance impossible. For mars colonization, a significantly larger purpose-built reactor would be much more feasible, and almost certainly a better solution than solar.
- TheSpiceIsLife 8y agoThis article[1] used as a reference in the Wikipedia entry certainly makes it sound like Mars colony is Kilopower's intended use-case. 1. https://www.space.com/37348-nasa-fission-power-mars-colony.html https://www.space.com/37348-nasa-fission-power-mars-colony.h...
- larkeith 8y agoI stand corrected! Previous articles I had seen had only discussed the prototype and one kilowatt design, but both this and the Wikipedia article show heavier designs for Mars missions.