Nasa is planning to design super-efficient power for its future missions headed to Mars. As part of this initiative, the state space agency invested $67 million in projects to develop solar electric spacecraft engines.
Engadget reports that Nasa is aiming to develop more solar electric propulsion because this type of engines supply thrust for a very long time. For instance, Nasa's Dawn spaceship already uses a solar electric propulsion engine.
Now, the American space agency is looking to improve the solar electric propulsion super-efficient tech. Nasa just invested $67 million in a 3-year contract with the private company Aerojet Rocketdyne with the purpose to design an advanced solar electric propulsion system. The new technology could be up to 10 times more efficient and deliver twice as much thrust than chemical engines.
According to Mail Online, Nasa is asking for proposal from private companies to design propulsion systems and living quarters. As the space agency is increasingly looking to Mars, is becoming essential to find best ways for the astronauts to survive the journey.
Nasa is working on its Orion spaceship as part of the NextSTEP-2 project. The Orion spacecraft is undergoing tests to prepare for a maiden voyage in the year 2018. Before heading back to Earth, the Orion spaceship will launch on a test flight, going as far as thousands of miles beyond the moon.
It is estimated that the trip to Mars will take anywhere from 150 to 300 days, so astronauts will need a relatively comfortable and safe space to live during their deep space missions. The space crew will need enough shielding to protect them from the high levels of radiation and room to stretch their legs.
Private space ventures as Bigelow Aerospace and Space X give NASA the opportunity to open up space exploration to collaborations. The business drive of the private sector can only benefit from joint ventures using the experience of state agencies.
Jason Crusan, director of Nasa's Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Division, declared that Nasa is embracing public-private partnerships to expand opportunities and capabilities in space. The state space agency has an industry forum scheduled for Monday, April 25 and it continue to accept applications from non-profit organizations, universities and U.S. companies until June 15.
