Science & Technology: Geothermal Energy Opportunities On Other Planets

Geothermal Outside of (the Box) This World (The Heat Beat)

By Dr. Ken Wisian and Jamie C. Beard, Esq.

Powered By Light, by Thomas Ratouis, Reykjavik, Iceland - THIRD PLACE 2019 GEOTHERMAL PHOTO CONTEST

Human travel to and settlement of Mars is the latest buzz, but a sustainable and economical power source on the planet is so far elusive. Solar is obvious, proven and has worked for relatively low power density rovers, but if colonization is the goal, a more plentiful, constant energy source generated using in-situ resources will be needed.

With the core of Mars estimated to be in excess of 1000C, geothermal energy could be the solution. Questions remain about the extent of crustal heat flow, and producible geothermal resources are likely to be more sporadic and isolated than on Earth. Still though, this is an area of active inquiry with the NASA Insight Mission hoping to take direct subsurface measurements of Martian heat flow. This Mission is already producing a steady stream of interesting headlines.

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