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What are advantages and disadvantages of sending crews to space on space explorations and space probes?
pros: We can learn lots of things by sending crews and space probes. For without space probes how would we be able to tell the weather. cons: Many humans can die in space if there is a problem with the space craft and billions of dollars will be wasted.
What is an example of converting nuclear energy to electrical energy?
nuclear power plantnuclear battery (SNAP thermoelectric power source for space vehicles)
Can nuclear power actually power anything?
Yes, nuclear power can directly power things. But we usually use the thermal energy generated by nuclear reactions to "power" things. We collect the heat, boil water to make steam, and spin turbines (with an attached generator) to make electricity. A radioactive source generated heat to drive a thermoelectric generator to power up a "deep" space probe. (The probe will be far from the sun and solar panels won't be sufficient to power things up.) We've seen applications where the old Soviet Union used a "nuclear pump" (a nuclear bomb) to power a beam weapon. And designers have come up with nuclear engines for space ships. Both of these directly use the energy of nuclear power to "power" something. But we don't normally encounter direct use of nuclear energy to do work.
Is there nuclear waste in space?
Yes, there is nuclear waste in space.
Why are satellites not launched directly into space?
Once in space, most satellites obtain their power from the Sun using solar panels. Satellites travelling deep into space often carry additional nuclear power supplies.
Elements in space used in nuclear power?
Spacecraft using nuclear power use the heat energy of Plutonium-238. The heat energy of the radioactive pellet of Plutonium-238 is converted into electricity.
What has the author Sidney W Silverman written?
Sidney W. Silverman has written: 'Applicability of 100kWe-class of space reactor power systems to NASA manned space station missions' -- subject(s): Space vehicles, Nuclear power plants, Space stations
Why can you not hear the noise of the nuclear reactions which power the sun?
Because sound doesn't travel through the vacuum of space.
Since nuclear energy is used to power submarines why can't it be used for rocket engines?
Its probably because nuclear powerplants are too heavy for rockets. Though in theory nuclear powered space craft are an option. == The primary useful product of a nuclear reactor is heat. To use heat generated by a nuclear power plant to drive a conventional rocket isn't very practicle because the power to weight ratio is not very good. And when we wish to rocket ourselves out of the bottom of this gravity well, we need lots of power and minimal weight. The nuclear plant can't deliver the kind of performance that lends itself to the launch of space vehicles.
When did you start sending space shuttles to space?
1981
What might be the biggest problem in sending another person to another planet?
The money it takes to have the space craft and gasoline and oxygen to power it.
What is a nuclear battery and how is it used?
A nuclear powered battery, or more properly, a nuclear power supply is composed of a quantity of Plutonium (typically) which will generate heat for a very long time. This is the energy source. This is surrounded by a set of thermocouples which turn the heat into electricity. This is a pretty expensive way to make electricity, so it is a last resort method. Such as sending a probe deep into space, where solar cells, for example, would not work because of the lack of sunshine.
