Rolls-Royce secures additional funding for space nuclear microreactor
Rolls-Royce has received an extra £4.8 million ($6.2 million) from the UK Space Agency to push forward the development of its space nuclear microreactor technology.
Collaboration and development
In collaboration with the University of Oxford and Bangor University, Rolls-Royce will use the next 18 months to develop the full system design and key technologies for the microreactor. This effort aims to position the UK as a leader in the emerging space nuclear power market, with plans for an initial flight demonstration by the end of the decade.
This collaboration aims to position the UK as a leader in the emerging space nuclear power market
Technological advancements
Jake Thompson, director of Novel Nuclear & Special Projects at Rolls-Royce, expressed excitement about the funding boost. "This award from the National Space Innovation Programme is a pivotal moment for our microreactor programme. It will accelerate our technological advancements, bringing us closer to supporting human endeavors in space with reliable power."
Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, highlighted the broader benefits of such projects. "The National Space Innovation Programme aims to foster growth, create high-quality jobs, and ensure sustainable space activities. Projects like Rolls-Royce's microreactor are central to achieving these goals and spreading innovation across the UK."
UK Space Agency’s CEO: “The National Space Innovation Programme aims to foster growth, create high-quality jobs, and ensure sustainable space activities”
Previous investments
The total project cost for the Rolls-Royce National Space Innovation Programme is £9.1 million. This latest funding follows previous investments, including £1.18 million from the UK Space Agency in April and £2.9 million awarded in 2023 for developing a lunar modular nuclear reactor.
Future of space exploration
As Rolls-Royce continues to develop its microreactor, the company is confident that this technology will offer safe, reliable, and flexible power for a wide range of space missions, crucial for the future of space exploration.
Source: World Nuclear News.
Highlighted image: Rolls-Royce.
