The company has been asked to demonstrate how nuclear micro reactors could extend the duration of future missions to the Moon. The UK Space Agency sai

Government signs £2.9m Moon base nuclear power deal with Rolls-Royce

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2023-03-17 13:00:03

The company has been asked to demonstrate how nuclear micro reactors could extend the duration of future missions to the Moon.

The UK Space Agency said it wanted to establish a new power source to support systems for communications, life-support and scientific experiments on the Moon.

The agency's chief executive Dr Paul Bate said: "We are backing technology and capabilities to support ambitious space exploration missions and boost sector growth across the UK.

"Developing space nuclear power offers a unique chance to support innovative technologies and grow our nuclear, science and space engineering skills base.

"This innovative research by Rolls-Royce could lay the groundwork for powering continuous human presence on the Moon, while enhancing the wider UK space sector, creating jobs and generating further investment."

The company will work with the University of Oxford, University of Bangor, University of Brighton, University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Nuclear AMRC on the project.