Power: on Earth, we tend to take it for granted. Most of your household power is generated from the burning of fossil fuels—coal and natural gas account for roughly 61 percent of US power. Another 20 percent is generated in nuclear power plants. These resources are nonrenewable—experts estimate that we may have 50–100 years of fossil fuels and over 200 years of natural uranium left—but Earth also has access to a treasure trove of renewable energy sources. In 2019, water, wind, and sun produced enough energy to power over 60 million average American households. No matter where it comes from, accessible energy is plentiful on Earth. But on other planets and in…
Comments closedTag: Kilopower Reactor Using Stirling TechnologY (KRUSTY)
In the decades following the first spacefaring rockets, solar power and radioisotope thermoelectric generators have been responsible for providing power to probes, spacecraft, rovers, and more. In the process, these technologies have been fine-tuned and perfected to make them sturdier, more efficient, and more compact. While these advancements may not necessarily bring about a glorious future of space imperialism, they may contribute to a brighter, cleaner future here on Earth. Since the 70s, NASA has driven innovation in solar panel technology, including designing self-cleaning panels that can keep off dust and dirt. As greenhouse gases build up in our atmosphere…
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