Sunday, June 1, 2025

Latest

Nuclear Power on the Moon: UK Funds Rolls-Royce’s Micro-Reactor Program

As the United States, Japan, and China race to send humans back to the moon, the United Kingdom is supporting a mission that will one day provide a power source for humans to live and work on the lunar surface.

The UK Space Agency last week announced £2.9 million ($3.6 million) of new funding for Rolls-Royce’s (LON: RR) Micro-Reactor program. The program is expected to deliver an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor that would power life-support and communications systems as well as experiments on the moon. The agency also earlier funded a £249,000 ($306,800) study for the project.

“As we prepare to see humans return to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, we are backing exciting research like this lunar modular reactor with Rolls-Royce to pioneer new power sources for a lunar base,” said Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology George Freeman

If successful, the project would dramatically increase the length of time humans can perform Lunar missions and improve their scientific value. Freeman added that the project is also expected to “create jobs across our £16 billion SpaceTech sector and help ensure the UK continues to be a major force in frontier science.” 

Rolls-Royce is working alongside collaborators from the University of Oxford, the University of Bangor, the University of Brighton, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), and Nuclear AMRC to develop the reactor. They plan to have it ready to send to the moon by 2029.

According to the news release, the UK Space Agency’s funding means “Rolls-Royce can further strengthen its knowledge of these complex systems, with a focus on three key features of the Micro-Reactor; the fuel used to generate heat, the method of heat transfer and technology to convert that heat into electricity.”

“This funding will bring us further down the road in making the Micro-Reactor a reality, with the technology bringing immense benefits for both space and Earth,” said Abi Clayton, Director of Future Programmes for Rolls-Royce. “The technology will deliver the capability to support commercial and defense use cases alongside providing a solution to decarbonize industry and provide clean, safe, and reliable energy.”

Applications for the technology on Earth have a lot of promise, ranging from commercial and defense uses. It could also potentially put the UK at the forefront of power and propulsion capability for multiple markets and operator needs, alongside a clean, green, and long-term power source.


Information for this briefing was found via UK Space Agency, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Alamos Gold Q1 Earnings: The Inside Scoop

Cerrado Gold Q4 Earnings: The Turnaround is Working

B2GOLD Q1 Earnings: Revenue Up, Production & Cash Flow Decline

Recommended

Canadian Copper: The $172M Combined Strategy PEA

ESGold Begins Concentration Tests Ahead Of First Production

Related News

Pro-Nuclear Nations Rally for Industry Revival at Brussels Summit

Pro-nuclear European nations and energy experts called for a revival of nuclear power at a...

Friday, March 22, 2024, 08:24:48 AM

Ontario To Refurbish Four Reactors At Pickering Plant

Ontario is set to embark on a multibillion-dollar project to refurbish four aging nuclear reactors...

Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 12:57:00 PM

Return to Nuclear: Italy Considers SMRs as Key to Achieving 2030 Energy Goals

Italy’s Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto, has expressed support for the...

Monday, May 20, 2024, 11:41:00 AM

US Regulators Certify Country’s First-Ever Small Modular Nuclear Reactor For Usage

As the world reluctantly turns to nuclear power amid the energy crises, a recent development...

Monday, August 8, 2022, 10:59:07 AM

Rolls-Royce Unveils First All-Electric ‘Super Coupe’

British luxury automaker Rolls-Royce has announced the first entry from its electric vehicle lineup, the...

Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 10:37:33 AM