Providing the Power to Explore
Jake Thompson, Head of Innovation
| Rolls Royce
Harnessing the unique properties of nuclear to advance space exploration and beyond.
With more than 60 years of nuclear heritage, Rolls-Royce is the UK’s only nuclear reactor vendor with full lifecycle experience and end-to-end capability to deliver novel technologies based on proven, reliable power solutions.
The space and nuclear domains are rapidly evolving in response to the exponential development and implementation of new technologies globally. There is a clear focus on building economic resilience by unlocking growth in the UK space sector and collaborating internationally to ensure competitiveness. As well as growing the UK as a science and technology superpower, Rolls-Royce is committed to developing resilient space capabilities and power solutions.
Nuclear power offers significant advantages in space exploration. As a self-contained and power-dense solution, a Micro-Reactor can provide power for the exploration of a planetary surface, or power for spacecraft propulsion. Continuous and efficient power can also provide satellites with more flexible movement to protect and defend key orbits and enable reliable surface power for the Moon and Mars to aid scientific and technological progress.
Micro-Reactors could provide the power for a Lunar base
In March 2023, Rolls-Royce secured funding of £2.9m from UK Space Agency, backing our research into how nuclear power could be used to support a future Moon base for astronauts. In November 2023, Rolls-Royce unveiled its nuclear Space Micro-Reactor Concept Model at the UK Space Conference in Belfast as the culmination of the work conducted under the contract.
The provision of clean, safe, deployable nuclear power and heat will also support the global effort to decarbonise industry and deliver key UK sustainability objectives. The potential applications of Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor technology back on earth are wide-ranging and could support commercial and defence use cases in addition to those in Space. The aim is to create a world-leading power and propulsion capability for multiple markets and operator needs, which also supports global net zero targets.
Through pioneering the next generation of nuclear power, the UK can grow its position as a global science and technology superpower. Strengthened by proactive and intelligent partnering with key international technology organisations, Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor technology represents a significant opportunity for the UK to grow a new national capability with significant export potential.
For more information, visit https://www.rolls-royce.com/innovation/novel-nuclear.aspx
PoliticsHome Newsletters
Get the inside track on what MPs and Peers are talking about. Sign up to The House's morning email for the latest insight and reaction from Parliamentarians, policy-makers and organisations.
