
NASA Seeks Industry Feedback on Fission Surface Power for Lunar and Martian Exploration
NASA is actively engaging with industry partners to gather valuable feedback on its ambitious Fission Surface Power (FSP) project, a critical initiative aimed at providing reliable and abundant electrical power for future human missions on the Moon and Mars. The agency recently published a request for information (RFI) to solicit input from a wide range of companies, fostering collaboration and innovation as it moves forward with this groundbreaking technology.
The Fission Surface Power project envisions a compact, safe, and efficient nuclear fission system capable of generating at least 10 kilowatts of electrical power continuously for 10 years. This level of power is essential to support the robust needs of human outposts, including life support systems, scientific instruments, habitat operations, and surface mobility vehicles. Such a system would significantly enhance the capabilities and sustainability of long-duration human presence beyond Earth.
The RFI highlights NASA’s interest in understanding the current state of industry capabilities, innovative concepts, and potential challenges related to the development and deployment of fission surface power systems. Specifically, the agency is seeking information on:
- Reactor Technology Concepts: NASA is keen to explore various reactor designs, fuel types, and safety features that could be suitable for space applications. This includes understanding different approaches to heat generation, power conversion, and waste management.
- System Integration and Deployment: Feedback is crucial on how these power systems can be effectively integrated into lunar or Martian surface infrastructure, including considerations for transportation, assembly, operation, and decommissioning.
- Safety and Regulatory Frameworks: The agency is seeking insights into industry best practices and potential approaches for ensuring the utmost safety of fission systems in extraterrestrial environments and navigating any necessary regulatory considerations.
- Operational and Maintenance Strategies: Understanding how these systems can be reliably operated and maintained in remote and challenging environments is a key focus. This includes aspects like remote monitoring, troubleshooting, and potential for in-situ servicing.
- Cost and Schedule Considerations: NASA is interested in industry perspectives on realistic cost projections and development timelines for such advanced technologies.
By issuing this RFI, NASA is demonstrating its commitment to a collaborative approach, recognizing that the successful development of fission surface power will likely involve contributions from a diverse range of expertise within the private sector. This engagement is a vital step in de-risking the technology and ensuring that NASA can leverage the most advanced and practical solutions available.
The information gathered through this RFI will directly inform NASA’s decision-making process as it refines its Fission Surface Power architecture and develops its future acquisition strategies. The agency anticipates that the insights gained will help shape the project’s requirements, identify potential industry partners, and accelerate the timeline for delivering this transformative power capability to support humanity’s exploration of the cosmos.
NASA’s pursuit of fission surface power represents a significant leap forward in enabling sustained human exploration, offering a reliable and powerful energy source that can overcome the limitations of current power generation methods in deep space. The agency’s proactive engagement with industry underscores its dedication to fostering innovation and ensuring the success of its ambitious lunar and Martian exploration goals.
NASA Seeks Industry Feedback on Fission Surface Power
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www.nasa.gov published ‘NASA Seeks Industry Feedback on Fission Surface Power’ at 2025-08-14 22:34. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.