- The UK Space Agency has backed Rolls-Royce in developing a nuclear power source for lunar exploration.
- The technology is designed to provide a sustainable source of energy for missions to the Moon and potentially beyond.
- The project will be part of the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by 2024.
- The Rolls-Royce power source is expected to have a lifespan of up to 10 years, providing power for rovers and other equipment on the lunar surface.
- The project will also support the UK’s aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 by developing clean energy technology.
- The UK has committed £16 million to the project, which will be matched by Rolls-Royce and its partners.
- The development of nuclear power for space exploration has the potential to revolutionize space travel by enabling longer and more ambitious missions.
The UK Space Agency has announced its endorsement of Rolls-Royce’s nuclear power technology for future moon exploration missions. The agency is keen to explore the possibilities of nuclear energy to power the next generation of spacecraft, with the aim of reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Rolls-Royce has been developing small modular reactors (SMRs) that could potentially power lunar landers, rovers, and habitats. The SMRs are compact and can be transported to the moon easily, making them a practical option for space exploration.
The UK Space Agency has been working closely with Rolls-Royce on this project and believes that their technology could pave the way for a sustainable future on the moon. The agency has also partnered with other companies, including Thales Alenia Space, to explore the potential of nuclear energy for space exploration.
The use of nuclear power in space exploration has been controversial in the past, with concerns over safety and the possibility of radioactive contamination. However, the UK Space Agency and Rolls-Royce have assured the public that their SMRs have been designed with safety in mind and will not pose a risk to the environment or human health.
The endorsement from the UK Space Agency is a significant milestone for Rolls-Royce, which has been investing heavily in the development of nuclear power technology. The company hopes to become a leading provider of nuclear power for space exploration in the coming years.
The UK Space Agency’s endorsement of Rolls-Royce’s nuclear power technology is a significant development in the quest for sustainable and cost-effective space exploration. With the possibility of powering spacecraft, rovers, and habitats, nuclear energy could be a game-changer in the future of space exploration.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
