Scientists at a UK university are striving to produce fuel that can sustain life on the Moon.
The Moon’s propulsion system and necessary fuels for supporting life are the focus of research carried out by scientists at Bangor University in the UK.
Bangor University researchers are examining the feasibility of rocket power and the potential fuels to sustain life on the Moon.
Bangor University is at the forefront of a group of eight projects funded by the UK Space Agency to revolutionize the way we travel into space, including Mars.
The university announced that the research will enhance space travel by utilizing advanced technology and available supplies in space to support astronauts and spacecraft.
The development of nuclear-based fuels for space propulsion will involve research at Bangor University, led by Dr Phylis Makurunje. These fuel systems are stable and can be produced using advanced additive manufacturing techniques that are essential for deep space missions.
The Nuclear Futures Institute’s scientists are developing new processes that will enable the creation and production of fuel configurations and designs that are not achievable by conventional manufacturing methods.
Simon Middleburgh, a Bangor University Professor and Nuclear Futures Institute co-director, has stated that the nuclear fuel expertise will be utilized in this project for space exploration, which is one of the most exciting applications possible.
“The need to design systems like the small micro-reactor in order to sustain life on planetary bodies and the moon has become obsolete due to the Sun’s dependence on it for energy,” he explained.
The only way to provide power for space travel is through nuclear power, as it must be able to withstand the launch forces and remain reliable for many years.
“Excellent scientists and engineers at the Nuclear Futures Institute are presently dealing with this challenge, but we anticipate that more work will be required in the future.”
The Vikram lander made a gentle landing on the south pole of the Moon at 6.04 PM IST, marking India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission.
Following the US, China, and the former Soviet Union, India became the fourth country to land on the moon with a gentle touch.