It's not exactly car technology, but it could be a preview of what's to come: NASA announced that engineers are exploring the possibility of nuclear fission to provide power sources for astronauts returning to the moon and are already taking initial steps toward a non-nuclear technology demonstration of this type of system.

NASA said in a statement that a moon-based fission surface power system could potentially generate a steady 40 kilowatts of electric power, which would be enough for about eight houses on Earth. "It works by splitting uranium atoms in a reactor to generate heat that then is converted into electric power. The fission surface power system can produce large amounts of power in harsh environments, like those on the surface of the moon or Mars, because it does not rely on sunlight. The primary components of fission surface power systems are a heat source, power conversion, heat rejection and power conditioning, and distribution."

Two design concepts are currently in play. The first, by Sunpower Inc., of Athens, Ohio, employs two opposed piston engines coupled to alternators that produce 6 kilowatts each. The second concept, from Barber Nichols Inc. of Arvada, Colo., shows plans for a closed Brayton cycle engine that employs a high-speed turbine and compressor coupled to a rotary alternator, a design that also generates the same 12 kilowatts of power the first one does (when totaled). (Via NextEnergyNews)