Reading through the release Mars missions and haven't found any mention of the usage of nuclear power. The 2009 through 2020 mission profiles although includes technical information has no mention of nuclear.
I'm sure you all have links - but here's one to the pdf files.
Well, it is a tad bit discouraging. Even JIMO (Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter) took a budget hit, and other nuclear programs have also been clobbered.
However, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL,) the fallowup mission to Spirit and Opportunity Mars Exploration Rovers currently on Mars, can be found in detail at:
There are pretty detailed drawings and information about the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator that the rover uses. Incidentally, this rover is like the MER's Big Brother; it should be nearly two meters long. It should carry proportionately more equipment, and hopefully will generate more science than MER. (Although the MER rovers have done an exceptional job--much credit to the JPL design/Operations team!) Also, because of MSL's nuclear power supply, it shouldn't really be limited to daytime operations, but could theoretically do its driving whenever Earth rises above Mars' horizon. I believe that it will also be equipped with white light LEDs for flood lights during nighttime science forays. All in all, a pretty cool mission.
As for space nuclear power programs--it will be the key for reaching deep space. Electric propulsion (whether it be ion, VASIMIR, or the magnetoplasmodynamic thruster--M2P2 solar wind sail concept) is the key to reasonable transportation times for deep space missions--and the megawatts of power demanded for these applications currently can only be supplied by nuclear reactors. Further, the Bush administration's Crewed Exploration Vehicle concept--with the eventual goal of a Mars Mission--can only realisitically be accomplished using nuclear thermal rocketry, such as Pratt and Whitney's "Triton" engine.
If we ever want to go far in space, nuclear power is necessary and indispensible. Whether nuclear programs will continue to get funding is dependent upon us--the tax payers.
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Terry
Date:
RE: Reviewing Mars Mission - Where are the Nuclear?
Would really be impractical to rely on solar power on the surface of Mars for a manned expedition. Imagine having a year long dust storm eliminate your only source of power - the sun. A protracted stay on the surface of Mars demands a nuclear reactor.
