New Lunar Fuel: Gateway to Space Colonization

[Elderberry]

DevX by Johannah Lopez September 6, 2023

In a significant breakthrough for space exploration, researchers at Bangor University in Wales, partnering with industry collaborators such as Rolls-Royce and international entities like NASA, have developed a fuel capable of supporting life on a future lunar base. This innovative fuel combines conventional and unconventional methods to maximize efficiency and sustainability in space travel. This groundbreaking achievement is expected to pave the way for ambitious lunar exploration missions and lay the foundation for an extended human presence on the moon.

Fuel Innovation: TRISO Particles

The fuel being developed consists of TRISO particles, which are designed to power reactors capable of enabling habitation on the moon. The emphasis on increased efficiency and safety makes this innovation a critical component in advancing space exploration and colonization. The unique composition of TRISO particles allows them to tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations, making them particularly well-suited to the harsh lunar environment.

By harnessing the advantages of TRISO particles, advanced reactors hold the potential to provide a consistent and reliable energy source for future lunar bases. This development could significantly expand the reach of human civilization beyond Earth.

Timeline and Vision: Lunar Reactor by the 2030s

The ambitious goal set by the researchers is to have a functioning lunar reactor by the 2030s. Though this timeline represents a considerable leap in mankind’s journey to explore the universe, it also acknowledges several remaining challenges. These include additional testing and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to ensure the safety and viability of the reactor.

More: https://www.devx.com/news/new-lunar-fuel-gateway-to-space-colonization/

[Elderberry]

TRISO Particles: The Most Robust Nuclear Fuel on Earth

Energy.gov 7/9/2019

There’s a lot of buzz around advanced nuclear.

These technologies are going to completely change the way we think about nuclear reactors.

More than 70 projects

are underway in the United States with new designs that are expected to be more economical to build and operate.

Some of them will require a new fuel that’s tough enough to handle the higher operating temperatures of these advanced reactors.

Enter TRISO fuel—the most robust nuclear fuel on earth.

What is TRISO Fuel?

TRISO stands for TRi-structural ISOtropic particle fuel.

Each TRISO particle is made up of a uranium, carbon and oxygen fuel kernel. The kernel is encapsulated by three layers of carbon- and ceramic-based materials that prevent the release of radioactive fission products.

The particles are incredibly small (about the size of a poppy seed) and very robust.

They can be fabricated into cylindrical pellets or billiard ball-sized spheres called “pebbles” for use in either high temperature gas or molten salt-cooled reactors.

TRISO fuels are structurally more resistant to neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation and high temperatures (the factors that most impact fuel performance) than traditional reactor fuels.

Each particle acts as its own containment system thanks to its triple-coated layers. This allows them to retain fission products under all reactor conditions.

Simply put, TRISO particles cannot melt in a commercial high-temperature reactor and can withstand extreme temperatures that are well beyond the threshold of current nuclear fuels.

More: https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/triso-particles-most-robust-nuclear-fuel-earth

[Smokin Joe]

But, will my car run on it?


All these advancements don't mean squat if you can't get down the road.

(Sorry, I'm pissed off about the Alaska Leases)