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With the Selene project, Italy takes a great step in space exploration, promoted by the Italian Space Agency, ASI, and the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA. The revolutionary goal of this project is to develop small nuclear reactors, known as Surface Nuclear Reactors (SNRs), which will power future human settlements on the Moon.
Project Background
The Selene project commenced in the year 2023 to develop a system for establishing a Lunar Energy Hub (MEnH); this is a hub created to facilitate the use of small nuclear reactors, capable of guaranteeing a long-term supply of energy that will drive lunar exploration and colonization in general. Compared to large solar panels and radioisotope systems, SNRs represent systems adapted to work in Moon extreme conditions, outclassing classic technologies.
Why Nuclear Reactors?
One of the most critical problems with long-duration manned space missions is providing a reliable source of energy. The solar panels also face the challenge of very long lunar day-night cycles and also the dust that may reduce efficiency. On the other hand, radioisotope systems have very limited operational lives and can supply limited amounts of power.
Technical Details of Small Nuclear Reactors (SNRs)
- Reactor Type: The reactors use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) with moderation by yttrium hydride (YH). They are designed to operate under the Moon’s extreme conditions, ensuring a constant energy supply.
- Power Output: The reactors are designed to produce 40 kW of electrical power (kWe), sufficient to power human infrastructure and research activities on the Moon.
- Energy Conversion System: They utilize Stirling converters to transform the generated heat into electrical energy. These converters are efficient and have been used in previous space missions.
- Deployable Radiators: The radiators are designed to dissipate the heat generated by the reactor. They are based on designs used on the International Space Station (ISS) and are adapted for polar and equatorial operations on the Moon.
- Voltage Transmission and Conversion: Electrical energy is transmitted over a distance of approximately 1 km from the reactor to users, with a voltage of ±2800 VDC. This system allows the reactor to be positioned away from the main lunar settlement site.
- Safety and Control: The reactors are equipped with shielded controllers and sensors to ensure safe operation and continuous monitoring of the reactor.
Impact and Future
If successful, the Selene project can revolutionize space exploration completely. Human settlements on the Moon would be more self-reliant, where vital activities like scientific research, mining, and agriculture would become more feasible. Besides that, SNR technology can be used in missions on other planets, such as Mars, enabling new frontiers for space exploration.
Italy, with this endeavor, shows that innovation, coupled with international cooperation, brings about great success in the space domain. Each step has brought us closer to materializing our cosmic dreams into reality.
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