For Mars, NASA Is Thinking Nuclear

NASA's Kilopwer prototype. (Credit: NASA) Everyone knows NASA has a tough job. Slipping “the surly bonds of Earth” is just the beginning for them. And while getting to the moon, and even Mars, is technically possible right now, one of the biggest problems remains finding and using a decent power source. So why not use nuclear power?Nuclear Know-how No, really. A small nuclear reactor might be the perfect solution, in addition to being pretty safe and clean. Nuclear power, unlike the weaponry, is actually one of the safest energy production methods we have. And according to a NASA press conference Thursday, they’ve been a testing nuclear reactor for Mars. Named Kilopower, the device is a combination nuclear reactor and engine. It has very few moving parts and is fairly compact, providing a portable and reliable source of power. Any future settlements on a world far, far away will need a ...