Fusion power from lunar resources
Abstract
It is shown that the moon contains an enormous energy source in He-3 deposited by the solar wind. Fusion of only 100 kg of He-3 with deuterium (D) in thermonuclear fusion power plants can produce more than 1000 MW(e) years of electrical energy, and the lunar resource base is estimated at 1 billion kg of He-3. This fuel can supply more than 1000 years of terrestrial electrical energy demand. The methods for extracting this fuel and the other solar wind volatiles are described. Alternate uses of D-He-3 fusion in direct thrust rockets will enable more ambitious deep space missions to be conducted. The capability of extracting hydrogen, water, nitrogen, and other carbon-containing molecules will open up the moon to a much greater level of human settlement than previously thought.
- Publication:
-
Dresden International Astronautical Federation Congress
- Pub Date:
- October 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990dres.iafcR....K
- Keywords:
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- Energy Technology;
- Fusion Reactors;
- Lunar Bases;
- Lunar Resources;
- Helium Isotopes;
- Power Beaming;
- Resources Management;
- Rocket Engine Design;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration