NASA Just Tested a New Nuclear Fission Reactor for Deep Space Missions and the Results Were Phenomenal

In its remarkable journey on deep space research, NASA has achieved a milestone where it has just completed testing of “KILOPOWER” its $20 million pet project which is a nuclear fission system that will be used on deep space missions.

1Test completed at its Nevada site

The testing was completed at its Nevada National Security Site in late March where a successful prototype called KRUSTY (Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling Technology) proved to work beyond expectations. 

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2The system is named KILOPOWER and can power missions to deep space

The entire system named Kilopower involves Uranium generated heat to produce power that will propel a craft through deep space. The phenomenal system will now improve missions to Mars, the Moon, and other planets as well. 

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3Krusty is a big success

Engineers revealed the success of KRUSTY and Kilopower at a news conference at NASA Glen Research center Ohio. Lead Engineer Marc Gibson said “I’m really glad to be able to report back to you that the test went great,” Nasa also revealed how Kilopower could be used as a major energy source for robotic and human space exploration missions in the future. 

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4Technology based on nuclear fission using uranium

The technology behind Kilopower is based on Uranium generated energy as its main power source derived by the nuclear fission of Uranium. In theory, the power could be almost infinite where it could supply power to a mission lasting hundreds of years without depending on a consumable or the Sun's solar energy. 

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