About Us
Skylarhansen, a pioneering research institution dedicated to the study of rare metals, crystals, and advanced isotopic power generation. Rare metals such as Californium, Rhodium, Palladium, and Iridium play a crucial role in modern technology, from space exploration and medical advancements to renewable energy solutions. Our research focuses on unlocking the full potential of these precious materials, driving scientific discovery, and contributing to technological progress.
Unlocking the Potential of Rare Elements for the Future
Innovating with Integrity, Science, and Sustainability
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Terrestrial Mining
The Earth's crust holds an abundance of rare metals, but extracting them requires advanced mining techniques and sustainable practices. Land-based mining operations focus on elements like Palladium, Rhodium, and Iridium, which are crucial for industrial applications, including electronics, automotive catalysts, and medical technologies. Our research delves into improving extraction methods while minimizing environmental impact to ensure responsible utilization of these valuable resources.
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Extraterrestrial Deposits
Beyond our planet, asteroids and celestial bodies contain an untapped wealth of rare metals. Scientists believe that asteroid mining could revolutionize access to elements like Platinum and rare isotopes, essential for high-tech industries and space exploration. Our studies explore the potential of harvesting these resources, contributing to future missions that could redefine material acquisition and technological advancement on Earth and beyond.
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Deep-Sea Reserves
The ocean floor is home to rich deposits of rare metals, hidden within polymetallic nodules and hydrothermal vents. Elements such as Manganese, Cobalt, and rare Earth metals are found in these deep-sea reserves, offering new possibilities for sustainable resource extraction. Our research focuses on understanding the ecological impact and technological challenges of deep-sea mining, aiming to develop innovative and eco-friendly methods for harnessing these critical materials.
What Is Radioisotope Power and Why Does NASA Use It?
Power is the one thing a spacecraft cannot do without. Without the technology to reliably power space missions, our knowledge of the solar system would be only a fraction of what it is today. It might sound surprising, but there are currently only two practical options for providing a long-term source of electrical power for exploring space: the light of the sun or heat from a nuclear source such as a radioisotope.
Solar power is an excellent way to generate electricity for most Earth-orbiting spacecraft, and for certain missions to the Moon and places beyond that offer sufficient sunlight and natural heat. However, many potential NASA missions given a high priority by the scientific community would visit some of the harshest, darkest, coldest locations in the solar system, and these missions could be impossible or extremely limited without the use of nuclear power.
A Critical Technology
RPS offer several important benefits. They are compact, rugged and provide reliable power in harsh environments where solar arrays are not practical
A 60-year Legacy
RPS are not a new part of the U.S. space program. They have made historic contributions to the United States' exploration of space for more than 60 years.
An Evolving Technology
The latest RPS to be qualified for flight, called the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG), provides both power and heat for the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers on Mars
In the future, RPS could continue to support missions to some of the most extreme environments in the solar system, probing the secrets of Jupiter's ocean moon Europa, floating in the liquid lakes of Saturn's moon Titan or touring the rings and moons of the ice giant planet Uranus. With this vital technological capability, the possibilities for exploration and discovery are limited only by our imaginations.
Discover More Topics
Plutonium Production for RPS
After a gap of nearly 30 years, the United States restarted production of new plutonium oxide heat source material, which is the fuel used in RPS built by the Department of Energy to provide electricity and heat for NASA missions that explore some of the most extreme places in the solar system.
Asteroid Psyche
Scientists think Psyche may consist of significant amounts of metal from the core of a planetesimal, one of the building blocks of our solar system. The asteroid is most likely a survivor of multiple violent hit-and-run collisions, common when the solar system was forming.
Californium Extraction
Radioactive californium-252 is a prolific neutron emitter, making it useful for examining jet engine parts for defects, finding underground oil and gas reservoirs, bombarding certain tumors, and operating nuclear reactors, among other things.It is also a superheavy element