Rolls-Royce is finalizing the development of a nuclear microreactor, which will become the foundation for powering space missions and lunar bases. This microreactor is designed to provide a reliable and compact energy source capable of supporting long-term space exploration. The development could also be used for military and commercial needs on Earth.
The Rolls-Royce nuclear microreactor, funded by the UK Space Agency, will generate power ranging from 1 to 10 MW, sufficient to support the operation of lunar bases or spacecraft. The prototype system is scheduled to be tested in space by the end of this decade, with the first operational version possibly ready by the early 2030s. This technology opens new horizons for deep space exploration by providing the ability to supply sustainable and powerful energy in the most extreme conditions.
