<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Which one do you prefer, nuclear reactor to provide power for life support and activities on Mars or solar on clear days and wind power at night and during dust storms, and why? <br />Posted by Crossover_Maniac</DIV></p><p>Interesting questions. IMHO,it depends what you want to do.</p><p>An initial Mars mission with 4-6 people, landed near the equator, andd needing only to run the station and provide consumables and propellants for the crew, a pressurised rover or two, and a small spacecraft to ascend to Mars orbit, could run very well on solar power. Given the simplicty and reliability of solar power this would be the preferred option.</p><p>On the other hand, if you wanted to run a large Mars station, or produce enough propellant for a direct return to Earth, then nculear powre would be the way to go, despite the handicaps.</p><p>Wind power is an interesting option, but would require a lot of construction to set up, and might only work in some places. If efficient energy storage were practical (regeneratable fuel cells perhaps) then, in conjunction with solar panels it might work quite well, You would probably still want a reactor for peak power,</p><p>Jon</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em>Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars</em> Arthur Clarke</p> </div>