UK Space Agency Partners With Rolls Royce To Power Lunar Base With Nuclear Energy

Rolls Royce has received funding from the U.K. Space Agency to continue its research into creating a small nuclear-powered reactor for the Lunar Base.

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The company hopes to deliver a demonstration model for a modular micro-reactor to the moon by 2029

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The project received a previous £249,000 in funding in 2022 and aims to provide power for human habitation and work on the moon.

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The research will focus on generating, transferring, and converting heat into usable energy for the moon base.

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The micro-reactor will be adapted to function in the lunar environment, allowing for greater versatility in missions and less reliance on solar power.

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Rolls-Royce has partnered with several universities to assist its scientists and engineers in this project.

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The project is expected to create skilled jobs and boost the UK’s space industry.

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The UK Space Agency aims to establish a new power source to support systems for communications, life support, and scientific experiments on the moon.

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Abi Clayton, director of future programs for Rolls Royce, expressed excitement at the new funding, saying that it would bring immense benefits for space and earth.