Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the energy released from the nucleus of an atom through either nuclear fusion or nuclear fission reactions. In astronautical engineering, nuclear energy is used to power spacecraft and satellites. Nuclear reactors are used to generate electricity on Earth, but in space, they are used to provide power for long-duration missions. Nuclear energy is a highly concentrated source of energy, which makes it ideal for space missions where weight and space are at a premium. However, the use of nuclear energy in space also presents unique challenges, such as the need to protect the crew and the environment from radiation.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Crashworthiness: In the context of aerospace engineering, crashworthiness refers to the ability of an aircraft, spacecraft, or any other aerospace vehicle to protect its occupants during an unexpected event, such as a crash or impact. This is a critical asp ... Read More >>
- Stationary Fitness Equipment: Stationary fitness equipment refers to exercise machines that are designed to remain in a fixed position during use. These machines are commonly found in gyms and fitness centers, and include treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainer ... Read More >>
- Halo Orbit: A Halo Orbit is a three-dimensional periodic orbit that lies in the plane of a primary body's orbit around a secondary body. It is a type of Lissajous orbit, which is a complex orbital path that results from the gravitational interaction be ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06