If going green is cool, consider Tesla Miles Davis. It seems like everyone and their mother’s mother is jumping on the green train these days and NASA is no different. The agency is set to test ‘green’ rocket fuel in 2017. Perhaps this will inspire others like Russia to jump on the bandwagon as well.
NASA TO BECOME THE TESLA OF SPACE
While you were too busy glued to your iPhone 6, driving your Tesla and playing PS4 this year, 87 rockets were launched above you. Interesting right? What’s even more interesting is that they were all fueled by a propellant that is hardly environmentally friendly. With so many types of rocket fuel available, NASA has decided it might be worth looking into some greener types. After all, Tesla has only had great success with their green ventures, so perhaps that would carry over to space travel.
NEW FUEL TO BE TESTED IN 2017
NASA has recently created the Green Propulsion Infusion Mission (GPIM). To test this new fuel, they will be launching a small satellite into orbit in 2017. In scientific terms, the propellant is known as AF-M315E. In layman’s terms, it’s a hydroxyl ammonium nitrate base fuel/oxidizer mixture that was curated by the U.S Air Force. Still with me? If you’re not, all you need to know is that NASA thinks this fuel offers a number of advantages. For one, it’s a ton safer to handle and far less toxic. Besides, cleanliness, it offers a 50 percent increase in the maneuverability of the spacecraft. NASA says GPIM just passed an important test to make sure it’s ready for testing. To them, this could mean the future of commercial spaceflight as well. Considering Tesla and SpaceX are owned by Elon Musk, it’s doubtful he won’t go along with it. If that’s so will we see other agencies like Russia jump on board as well?
RUSSIA MIGHT GO NUCLEAR WITH SPACE TRAVEL
Due to financial issues, Russia is looking into nuclear thermal energy to power their rockets. While nuclear energy is known to be quite clean, it can be risky to deal with. Since Russia seems a bit more concerned with cost than risk, it;s doubtful they will cease the experiment. Russians haven’t been very “Tesla-like” in their history, but perhaps the U.S and others can persuade them. Essentially, it will be a game of money to get them on board. If they can create a clean and affordable fuel source, Russia will surely join in.
