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Active TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 8)
Fission Surface Power (FSP) project will advance the design, system integration, and test qualification for a nuclear powered electric generator capability that can be demonstrated on the surface of the Moon and that is extensible to NASA exploration needs for Mars. The FSP project will design, build and qualify an engineering flight unit (EFU) for a minimum 10-kWEpower production to be demonstrated on a lunar mission.
A small, lightweight fission surface power system could provide up to 10 kilowatts of electrical power – enough to run several average households – continuously for at least 10 years. Four 10-kilowatt units could provide enough juice to power robust operations on the Moon and Mars.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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