17 July 2022

Source of energy: Nuclear

• one method us by using the heat produced from the natural decay of radioactive materials (such as plutonium or uranium) to change batteries and provide electrical power.

• similar to solar energy, it utilises radiation to produce electricity.

why is dust an issue:

• dust floats freely around and is readily inhaled, enters eyes and irritates noses

• can enter machinery leading to malfunction

• could cause contamination on the spaceship

• on the Russian space station, Mir, basketball sized globs of dirty water filled with harmful microorganisms hidden were found behind a service panel

how to solve issue:

• follow strict regulations like those on space stations when it comes to diet

• follow strict regulations when it comes to hygiene as well

• NASA has already updated its Planetary Protection Policies to reduce the spread of Earth germs in the vastness of space

what is radiation:

• space is a dangerous place full if radiation from the sun and cosmic rays

• radiation is thermal energy that can be transferred without using a medium

shields:

• aluminum. when used to built most spacecraft is hit with radiation, it creates secondary radiation that becomes even more dangerous.

• plastic is a better choice although not as effective.

extreme pressure:

• habitats must have rounded or smooth shape tobe able to withstand the extreme amounts of pressure difference.

• this is because the habitat will have way more pressure than the martian atmosphere

• having weak points will make the structure very susceptible to the great pressure within its walls, causing it to explode

Nuclear physics:

Nuclear fission:

• the main source of nuclear energy currently harnessed

• the nucleus of an atom can be made to undergo fission, through the launch of a stray neutron, separating the into into atoms of different elements as well as neutrons. these neutrons then go on to induce more separations causing a chain reactions, which also release heat energy which can then be harnessed

• summary: nucleus hits atom, separating atom into atoms of different atoms, causing a chain reaction. heat energy harnessed from separations.

Nuclear fusion:

• two light nuclei fuse into a heavier nucleus. the ensuing nucleus has lass mass as the leftover mass was converted into energy as stated by Einstein's equation: E = mc^2

• the same process power stars but is not yet used for conventional power as it requires a lot of energy to start and sustain the reaction

Radioactive decay:

radioactive decay is the process by which an unstable nucleus loses energy by radiation. a material containing unstable nuclei is considered radioactive. three of the most common types of decay are alpha decay, beta decay and gamma decay.

In Praxi:

• rods of radioactive material, typically uranium, are lowered into water. the purpose of the water is to moderate the rate of nuetron discharge, thus sustaining the chain reaction, as well as to boil into steam, rising and turning turbines to generate electrical energy.

• control rods are also utilised to manage the rate of reaction by absorbing stray neutrons.

In Astris:

• in stars, elements are fused in stages such as: hydrogen > helium > carbon > neon > oxygen > silicon > iron

• the burning process will continuously burn till it can no longer be fused. in which, gravity tips over its thermal pressure and causes a core collapse

Vera Exempla:

• an extreme and deadly example of radioactive decay is the elephant foot

• discovered from the nuclear meltdown of the chernobyl power plant in December 1986

Nuclear engines:

• similar to a chemical rocket, liquid hydrogen would undergo nuclear fission. unlike chemical rockets, this works to be more efficient as they use low-molecular mass propellents

Renerable energy:

• nuclear has uses in energy production, and is very ideal due to its efficiency, renewability and its ability to produce little waste as compared to energy produced which does not harm the environment

• nuclear energy makes up around 10% of the world's energy source

Potential uses of nuclear energy:

• easily creating hydrogen

• used to power cars or provide heat for indoor heating or space exploration without producing harmful emissions and greenhouse gases

• this is possible as the process of harnessing nuclear energy already produces the heat and electricity required to create hydrogen from eelctrolysis