As space agencies and private companies set their sights on long-term lunar missions and deep space exploration, the need for reliable, long-lasting power sources becomes increasingly critical. Nuclear micro-reactors are emerging as a promising solution to meet these challenging energy demands in space. @UK Space Agency (UKSA) under the National Space Innovation Programme, awarded £4.8m co-funding to Rolls-Royce, to accelerate the development of their space nuclear power technology, bringing the UK closer to demonstrating a full system space flight reactor by the end of this decade.
The Rolls-Royce micro-reactor is designed to produce at least 50-100 kW of power, offering several advantages over traditional power sources like solar panels or radioisotope thermal generators. These reactors can operate continuously during extended periods of darkness, withstand extreme temperature fluctuations, and provide the substantial power needed for life support systems, scientific equipment, and even fuel production on extraterrestrial surfaces.
Currently, the Rolls-Royce micro-reactor is roughly about the size of a small family car and weighs a few tonnes. While this is remarkably compact for a nuclear reactor, it’s still relatively large for a space system. This is precisely why the UKSA funding is crucial – it will support efforts to develop a more space-compliant variant that can meet the stringent size and weight requirements for lunar and deep space missions.
Safety remains a primary concern in the development of space nuclear reactors. Rolls-Royce, in collaboration with academic partners from the @University of Oxford and @Bangor University, is focusing on creating robust fuel designs and implementing extensive testing and fail-safe mechanisms. These measures ensure the reactors remain inert during launch and are only activated once safely deployed.
While space applications drive much of the current micro-reactor development, this technology also holds promise for terrestrial use. On Earth, these compact, scalable power modules could provide flexible energy solutions for remote locations, disaster relief efforts, or as backup power sources for critical infrastructure. The advancements made in miniaturization and safety features for space reactors may also contribute to improving nuclear technology’s public perception and accelerating its adoption in various industries.