Rolls-Royce is making nuclear reactor to send to moon base within six years

17 March 2023 , 00:01

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Rolls-Royce eyes intergalactic development deal (Image: PA)

Rolls-Royce is to develop a nuclear reactor for a moon base.

The British engineering giant, which will work with several collaborators, aims to have a mini-version ready to send to the moon by 2029.

All space missions depend on a power source, to support systems and science experiments.

Experts suggest nuclear power could dramatically lengthen a lunar mission. The UK Space Agency’s £2.9million of new funding for the project follows a £249,000 study.

Science Minister George Freeman said: “Space exploration is the ultimate laboratory for so many of the transformational technologies we need on Earth.

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“As we prepare to see humans return to the moon we are backing exciting research like this.”

Rolls-Royce could soon be helping to support space missions (PA)

A small and lightweight nuclear micro-reactor could produce continuous power regardless of location.

Dr Paul Bate, UK Space Agency boss, said: “This research could lay the groundwork for continuous human presence on the moon.”

Nina Massey