Solar energy in abundance is present in some places on the moon, but it can not always be obtained constantly due to long lunar nights and extreme temperature changes. Therefore, scientists study nuclear energy as an alternative to solar energy. Scientists presented a conceptual project of the radioisotope energy system using plutonium-238 (PU-238), which can be used to power spacecraft and cargo ships on the moon, writes Intersting Engineering.

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Radioisotope energy systems operating on plutonia-238 are important for spacecraft operating where solar energy is not enough. This development is carried out within the framework of the Pulsar consortium, which finances Eurat (the European atomic energy community).

According to scientists, radioisotope energy systems create electricity from natural decay of isotopes, such as plutonium-238, providing a reliable power supply for devices operating under difficult conditions on the moon. The radioisotope energy system created by Pulsar uses two stirling engines to convert heat released during the decay of plutonium-238 to electricity.

Existing nuclear generators require a significant amount of fuel and are bulky, which increases the starting weight. Pulsar seeks to increase efficiency and reduce size and weight through the use of an advanced stirling engine in its radioisotope energy system.

This system is designed to provide from 100 to 500 W Electricity. This output capacity is specially designed to meet the needs of the lunarpower or cargo ship running on the moon.

Difficult conditions on the moon make nuclear energy a critically important component of lunar missions. Due to the fact that the night lasts 14 days on the moon, it is impossible to constantly receive solar energy. In the polar regions of the moon there are places where sunlight does not fall at all.

According to scientists, this development lays the foundation for the implementation of the project of the European landing lunar module Argonaut, which should go to the moon after about 5 years. Pulsar consortium seeks to establish European production plutonium-238 and related technologies. Currently, Europe relies on the external sources of this isotope plutonium.

As Focus already wrote, scientists talked about the unusual way of space communication. Scientists believe that gravitational waves can be used for communication in deep space.

Focus also wrote that scientists found out that on Mars billions of years ago there were periods of tens of thousands of years long, when the climate changed dramatically. This could have a negative impact on potential Martian life.