Energy Sources
Introduction
If humans were to live in space, they would need a reliable source of energy. This passage explores the different sources of energy that could be used in space.
Solar Energy
Every thing on Earth needs solar energy to survive. Even things that are not on Earth need solar energy. If tourists ever went to space or space hotels were invented, they would have to rely on some kind of energy to power them. Solar energy could be a replacement for gasoline and fossil fuels. If large satellites were built with solar paneled wings each one could probably provide enough energy to power a small city.
Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is used by many countries for part of their electricity and energy needs. For example; nuclear power makes up 20% of the U.S.A.’s electricity, and 80% of France’s energy. Nuclear fission happens when an atom splits apart, the pieces hit more atoms and those pieces hit others and those pieces hit more. . . This is called a chain reaction and it produces a lot of power. However the down side of nuclear power is that no power plants using nuclear power can have leaks. If any nuclear waste gets into the atmosphere it can be very harmful and dangerous. The first time nuclear power was experimented with was in 1934. After a few more experiments many scientists began to research nuclear power. The drastic discovery of nuclear weapons left many people afraid of them, but soon others realized that nuclear power could benefit many. Slowly power plants around the world started manufacturing nuclear power. Nuclear power would be a choice for a future power source in space.
Space Elevators
The basic idea of space elevators is a cable, or rope, stretching from the Earth to another object. The object and the rotation of the Earth would keep the line tight all the time. A box or movable room of some sort would be made on the cable, so it would be able to go up and down the cable. If made, the box would carry luggage, equipment, and possibly people.
Solar Sails
Solar sails are often thought of as vehicles in space. They would use a large mirror to reflect the sun on it. This would give the sail a small thrust forwards.