Rolls-Royce Is Developing An Extremely Ambitious Nuclear Space Reactor

Rolls-Royce has received an additional £4.8 million ($6.2 million) from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to advance its development of a nuclear micro-reactor. This ambitious project aims to power lunar bases and spacecraft propulsion, pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

The funding, provided through the UKSA’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), is part of the total projected cost of £9.1 million ($11.7 million) for the micro-reactor. Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with the University of Oxford and Bangor University, plans to complete the system design within 18 months. The first orbital test is expected by the end of the decade, with lunar applications to follow shortly after.

The nuclear micro-reactor aims to provide a reliable and portable power source for long-term lunar exploration and deep-space missions. Unlike conventional solar power, fuel cells, and batteries, which are either short-term or intermittent, the micro-reactor offers a continuous and energy-dense solution. This technology is crucial as the demand for energy in space missions grows exponentially.

Compared to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), the micro-reactor is significantly smaller and more portable. While an SMR generates 0.5 GW and requires a large area, the micro-reactor produces 1 to 10 MW and is compact enough to be transported on a truck. This portability allows it to be used not only at stationary planetary bases but also for powering rovers and other mobile applications. The reactor uses enriched uranium or plutonium pellets within a graphite core, which regulates the nuclear reaction and conducts heat safely.

Potential applications for the micro-reactor include powering lunar and Martian bases, space stations, deep-space vehicles, and nuclear propulsion systems. These could be electric propulsion systems like ion drives or direct thermal nuclear rockets. The ability to generate high levels of consistent power will enable missions with larger payloads and higher velocities, as well as more flexible orbital maneuvers.

“We are delighted to win this award from the National Space Innovation Programme and to continue our collaboration with the UK Space Agency,” said Jake Thompson, Director of Novel Nuclear & Special Projects at Rolls-Royce. “This funding is a pivotal point in our Micro-Reactor program and will accelerate our technology progression, bringing us a step closer to powering inspiring human endeavors in space.”