Within the depths of space, whenever even starlight
can’t be depended on, spacecraft need some type of long-lasting, chemical energy
in order to endure potential decades without having recharging.
To solve that issue, NASA has announced they are
funding Pennsylvania State University’s Michael Paul in his task to use Stored
Chemical Power Power Systems (SCEPS), exactly the same technology used in
military torpedoes, to power space excursions.
SCEPS works by combustion, exactly like when you burn
natural gas, states Michael Paul, except in this instance the fuel is lithium.
(Combustion requires oxygen as well as another element. ) Within their proposed
core mission, the theoretical trip to Venus, Paul’s team has proposed taking in
the planet’s CO2-rich environment as an oxidizer to mix using the lithium. In
other words, they’re utilizing Venus’ inhospitable climate to be able to power
their lander, and also Paul says their SCEPS system could last up to four
weeks.
The technology is not brand new, according to the US
Navy, that says that it experimented with the procedure as early as the 1920s,
as well as SCEPS to work the Mk 50 torpedo in 1972.
Along with SCEPS there isn’t an issue of not making
sufficient energy, but in scaling the power down to manageable levels, based on
the project description. Torpedoes such as the Mk 50 could use a large number of
kilowatts at a time, but NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)
says that expeditions just like the Phoenix Mars Lander simply need hundreds of
watts.
Other landers and spacecraft use various forms of
energy like plutonium, but Paul says which plutonium can be difficult to work
with in the usa, so there's a great desire for developing alternative power
constructions for space. Right now, the actual Phoenix Mars Lander and also the
New Horizons expedition both are powered by plutonium.
Robert, who is also involved in the Titan Submarine in
Phase two funding, says that their specialty is taking undersea technology like
SCEPS along with transitioning it to area applications.
This is Phase 2 of Paul’s funding with the NASA
Innovative Advanced Ideas Program. In Phase I, the particular group explored
SCEPS assumptive use for a mission for you to Venus, and now are getting
continued support through NASA (NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION)
to develop it further. Each phases are funded, however the more serious cash
flows within Phase II, which are the suggestions NASA sees as much more viable
possibilities for deployment. According to the NIAC website, 50 dollars,
000-$75, 000 can be given in in Phase I, and may progress to $300, 000-$400, 000
in Phase 2.
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