Rolls-Royce gets $6M to develop its ambitious nuclear space reactor
Rolls-Royce receives $6.2 million from UK Space Agency to develop nuclear micro-reactor for lunar bases and spacecraft. Compact, reliable power source fueled by uranium or plutonium pellets for space exploration.
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Rolls-Royce has secured $6.2 million from the UK Space Agency to advance its nuclear micro-reactor technology for potential use in powering lunar bases and spacecraft propulsion. The project aims to develop a compact, reliable, and portable power source suitable for long-term space exploration missions. Different from traditional power sources like solar panels, the Micro-Reactor is designed to provide a high energy density and continuous power supply essential for future space endeavors. The reactor, fueled by enriched uranium or plutonium pellets, is compact and versatile, capable of powering planetary bases, rovers, and even deep-space vehicles. Rolls-Royce plans to complete the system design within 18 months with academic support and aims to conduct the first orbital test before the end of the decade. The Micro-Reactor's applications include supporting missions to the Moon and Mars, powering space stations, and enabling nuclear propulsion systems for spacecraft, offering a flexible and efficient power solution for various space missions.
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