Nuclear Devolution to be a key part of the U.S. Space Strategy

On December 16, the White House released Space Policy Guidance 6, which outlines a plan for the development of space nuclear power and propulsion technology (SNPP). The directive comes as part of the Trump Administration’s larger effort to revive space exploration: creating the Space Force, reviving the National Space Council (which had been dormant for nearly two decades ), and announces a new National Space Policy on 9 December 2020.

Nuclear power engineering has been debated for decades by engineers, policymakers, and yes, sci-fi writers. However, fusion reactors are not here yet, not to mention dilithium reactors against power that allow close speed. The slow-moving, conventional SNPP systems include radioisotope power systems (RPSs) and fission reactors used for power or movement in spacecraft, rovers, and other surface elements.

Nuclear motion offers the best flexibility for deep space missions, such as Mars and asteroid landings. Due to the improved energy density, these systems offer nearly twice the efficiency of the best chemical engines packed with comparable thrust rates.

Nuclear power is not used for space exploration; NASA has used radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which convert the heat from radioactive decay of plutonium-238 into electricity in Voyager 1 and 2 probes, the New Horizons spacecraft Pluto, and the Curiosity Mars rover. RPS and RTG power offer several advantages over solar power, as the latter often require non-operational solar panels as well as complementary batteries for ‘overnight’ work (when not sunlight available).

According to Directive 6, “The ability to use space nuclear power and motion systems safely, securely and sustainably is essential to maintaining and enhancing the United States’ leadership and strategic leadership in space. ”

The memo outlines its policy and aims, including the rather ambitious goal of “revealing a distributed power system on the surface of the moon” (keeping in mind that no one has been a foot on the Moon since 1972). It also affirms “The United States adheres to the principles of safety, security, and sustainability in the development and use of SNPP systems, in accordance with applicable Federal laws and in accordance with international obligations and commitments. ”

The directive also refers to the Memorandum of the President of National Security-20, August 20, 2019, which “updated the process for the launch of spacecraft containing nuclear space systems”, and which establish a policy to “develop and deploy nuclear space systems where such systems enable or enhance the exploration of space or operational capabilities”.

SNPP technology could encourage space exploration in environments where other energy sources such as solar and chemical fuels are unavailable or unsuitable, and would also shorten transit time for spacecraft, leading to fewer of perspective on potentially dangerous environments, and accelerating space travel.

Dr. said. Scott Pace, executive secretary of the National Space Council: “Space nuclear power and underlying technology enable technology for America’s deep space missions to Mars and beyond. The United States intends to remain a leader among space nations, using nuclear power technology safely, securely and sustainably in space. ”

NASA also issued a statement in support of the guidance, with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine saying that SPD-6 “strengthens the organization’s efforts to develop affordable, safe and reliable nuclear systems, bringing its -introduce technology capable of powering activity on another world and leading the future. human missions to Mars. NASA currently has an Artemis Program, which aims to land a man and a woman on the moon by 2024, and in the same statement Bridenstine said “at the Moon we will prepare for new science and deeper human missions. -in to the solar system ”.

The Trump Administration’s interest in the outdoors seems to be more strategic in nature than scientific. Competition for external dominance is certainly heating up, and China, which has been embroiled in a trade war with the United States since 2018, has just a few days ago launched an action to retrieve lunar rock and soil samples, and have also expressed interest in establishing a foundation on the moon.

Brendan Curry, head of Washington, DC activity at the Planetary Society, said Beijing has not “issued a statement of some sort where they want to replace the United States as a leader in space … But they certainly want to be the main actors in space. ”

Last year, Vice President Mike Pence announced plans to accelerate America’s return to the Moon by 2024 at a speech in which he warned that China wanted to “seize the moon’s strategic high ground and be as the most prestigious country in the world. NASA is currently barred from working directly with Chinese space agencies.

Private companies have now entered the new ‘space race’. Spacelon founder Elon Musk has said he plans to send humans to Mars before NASA plans to send humans to the Moon. Musk himself admits that nuclear power will be at the heart of the Martian foundation that can be cultivated in the future.

It is unclear how the incoming Biden Administration will approach US space strategy and policy, but the new space race – this time with the People’s Republic of China – is inevitable. . SNPP systems are poised to play a major role in the next space race.

Supported by Alexandra Perouansky.