Photo credit: NASA
By Kam Ghaffarian
Imagine a future where humanity not only explores the cosmos but establishes a sustainable presence on the Moon and other planets, preparing for missions to worlds beyond. Nuclear power is the key to turning this dream into reality and expanding our understanding of our own Earth.
Since 2009, I've been involved in advancing nuclear power with X-energy, focused on providing sustainable, economical, and safe energy for Earth and addressing our growing energy demand. But nuclear energy also has incredible potential to allow humans to go faster and farther into the universe.
The same clean and dependable energy we are developing on Earth could also be used on the Moon. As humans move forward with the Artemis program to create habitats on the lunar surface, they will need reliable energy as our Moon experiences two weeks of night-time at a time, harsh conditions that make traditional solar power impractical.
This is where nuclear power shines. It's a game-changer, offering a continuous energy source regardless of the lunar environment. And its applications can have direct and positive uses on Earth. Two companies I helped create, X-energy and Intuitive Machines, are working on a plan to build lunar habitats and ensure the lights are always on.
Nuclear power on the Moon isn't a new concept. During Apollo 12, astronauts Charles Conrad and Allan Bean took a nuclear generator to provide the electricity needed to operate scientific instruments on the lunar surface. This historic achievement is a testament to the enduring power of nuclear technology in the harshest extraterrestrial environments.
In our quest to go further and faster into space, we need spacecraft that can push the boundaries of speed. Nuclear technologies will revolutionize space travel by providing a high thrust and doubling the propellant efficiency compared to the chemical combustion used in traditional rockets. For example, Nuclear Thermal Propulsion can cut transit times to Mars in half. Nuclear Electric Propulsion could enable human exploration of the outer solar system and interstellar precursors to the distant edges of our solar system.
One of the reasons I founded the nonprofit Limitless Space Institute was to inspire, educate and enable human exploration of distant stars. To push the limits of science to go farther and faster than we have ever gone before.
Nuclear energy has the power to enable a limitless future and stimulate the beginning of humanity's next chapter in space. Humanity's destiny is to go beyond the Moon and Mars and explore beyond our solar system. This must be done by creating technology that protects Earth while enabling our ambitions to find other habitable worlds. The partnership of space and nuclear power will pave the way for humanity to live among the stars and develop sustainable technologies that will fuel our desire to explore the cosmos together.
Dr. Kam Ghaffarian is a pioneering entrepreneur and engineer specializing in disruptive technologies and strategic innovation, with a track record of founding industry-leading firms and driving advancements in energy, aerospace, and space exploration.