lunar/mars exploration and base construction

Lunar/Mars Exploration and Base Construction

Power Systems

EnergySolarWindNuclearIn-situ propellant

(methane)Steam

5-30% efficiencyMars receives 44% as much

solar energy as EarthTracking/Non-tracking solar

arrayDust?

Solar

Solar

Typical wind speed: .03-200 kph (67-125 mph)

Max speeds: 500-600 kph (300-375 mph)

Lower pressure reduces wind effects/100 mph wind on Mars=11 mph wind on Earth

Enough to turn wind turbines?

Constructing wind turbines30% efficiency

Wind

Wind

Size of a coffee can15+ year life expectancyDangers

Contamination of crew Contamination of Mars/moon

Possible extra exposure to radiation

Nuclear

NuclearMulti-mission Radioisotope

Thermoelectric Generator

In-situ propellantUse Sabatier reaction to

produce methaneGood for rover and CRV

(Crew Return Vehicle)Generators?

In-situ Propellant (Methane)

In-situ Propellant (Methane)Sabatier Reaction

CO2 +4H2 CH4+2H2O

Water Electrolysis2H2O 2H2+O2

SteamThe possibility of drilling

into the Martian core to utilize thermodynamic energy