Rolls-Royce’s Nuclear Fission Reactor Expected to be Just 1 Meter Wide and 3 Meters Long, Providing Stable Power for Astronauts.
Rolls-Royce unveiled its design for the Micro Space Reactor at the UK Space Workshop held in Belfast, Interesting Engineering reported on December 7. This reactor is expected to provide electricity for future human bases on the Moon.
The prototype of Rolls-Royce’s mini nuclear reactor displayed at the UK Space Workshop 2023 in Belfast, UK. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Novel Nuclear).
Some regions in the southern pole of the Moon have been devoid of sunlight for billions of years, resulting in extremely harsh conditions. However, NASA believes these areas have the potential to host the first lunar base. A significant reason is that these eternally dark regions may contain water ice.
Astronauts will require a stable power source to live and operate on the Moon. Since solar energy cannot be relied upon, establishing a nuclear power plant on the Moon could be highly beneficial.
“This innovative research by Rolls-Royce could lay the groundwork for providing power for humans to live long-term on the Moon,” said Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency. Rolls-Royce received £2.9 million in funding from the UK Space Agency in March 2023.
Engineers and scientists at Rolls-Royce are exploring ways to convert the heat generated by the nuclear fission reactor into energy. This small and lightweight reactor measures about 1 meter wide and 3 meters long, and the prototype is not yet capable of producing electricity.
The Micro Space Reactor generates power through nuclear fission, similar to the method used by terrestrial nuclear power plants. The splitting of atoms like uranium generates energy within the reactor.
By the early 2030s, Rolls-Royce hopes the reactor will be ready for deployment on the Moon. This reactor could provide electricity and propulsion for spacecraft. Additionally, continuous power supply at the base will facilitate the operation of essential systems such as ventilation and heating, critical for the survival of astronauts. The stable energy source, which does not depend on sunlight, is also crucial for activities like charging exploration robots and scientific instruments.
