Rolls-Royce wins British money for “moon” nuclear reactors

British aerospace giant Rolls-Royce said on Friday it had secured British funding to develop small nuclear reactors that could provide power on the moon.

Rolls said the British Space Agency had offered her 2.9 million pounds ($3.5 million) to help research “how Nuclear Energy They can be used to support a future lunar base for astronauts.”

The company added in a statement that “scientists and engineers at Rolls-Royce are working on the microreactor program to develop technology that will provide the energy needed for humans to live and work on the moon.”

Rolls expects its first car-sized reactor to be ready to be sent to the moon by 2029.

Friday’s news comes as NASA aims to return humans to the moon in 2025.

This will be the first visit since the historic Apollo missions ended in 1972.

Nuclear power It has the potential to significantly increase the duration and scientific value of future lunar missions.”

The group, known for its engines that power Airbus and Boeing aircraft, will work alongside UK universities including Oxford on the space project.

© 2023 AFP