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Key SpaceX Recommendations
Key SpaceX Recommendations
Key SpaceX Recommendations
Abstract:
This two page mini-report summaries an academic literature review discussing feasibility of various power
systems for creating an initial Mars settlement. Page 1 summarises the literature reviews key findings and
Page 2 discusses potential strategies for both solar and nuclear power specifically for SpaceX.
Author:
Parikshat Singh Imperial College London Department of Mechanical Engineering
Contact:
ps2612@ic.ac.uk
Page |1
Please see next page for SpaceX recommendations or literature review for extensive breakdown.
Page |2
Solar Power:
For an initial settlement, solar power holds several key advantages in risk, specific power and
public/political perception. This paper recommends SpaceX should explore solar power fully due to these
advantages. Despite this, nuclear fission will be a likely necessity in the long run.
1) Site selection: For more detail please refer to the full literature review attached, section 4.2.5
(31 X) N is the optimal latitude for solar power, where X is the additional feasible margin that may be
accessible with extra power or lighter technology. This number X, needs to be calculated by factoring mass
of selected solar panels, payload to Mars and minimum critical power required.
In addition, further research is required for categorising appropriate sites which need to be compatible with
human biology, technology and landing capabilities.
Site selection is more than simply a technical choice with power optimisation. SpaceX may want to consider
the impact of confinement in a specific crater to the mental health of its permanent residents, as well as to
transportation and long run settlement expansion. This paper does not cover the wider aspects of site
selection but it would like to note that some benefits in site location will likely outweigh losses in power.
2) Deployment:
In the event that SpaceX meets its ambitious goals, it may find itself to be the first group ready to send
humans to Mars. For the settlement setup, SpaceX should consider an unmanned colony deployment
mission. However this may be a challenge and it may be simpler and more cost effective to send a
preliminary deployment crew. In which case, SpaceX must take a careful stance with cost risk benefit
analysis.
Nuclear Power:
Nuclear power is an alternative to solar in the event that the above yields no suitable sites. In terms of
nuclear fission power, caution is key. A launch failure from Earth or an unsuccessful landing on Mars could
lead to catastrophic consequences for both existing and potential inhabitants. If SpaceX would like to
explore nuclear power further, the following should be taken into account:
1) Selection of nuclear fission and thermo electric conversion source recommended that research is
conducted into LFTR technology
2) Selection of compatible landing site a landing site that minimises radiation to its inhabitants is
essential.
3) Consideration of stage by stage deployment of nuclear material to minimise risk.
For full list of references, please see full literature review.
Parikshat Singh Imperial College London Department of Mechanical Engineering