The Rolls-Royce company received the green light from the British government to build a nuclear reactor for a future base on the moon. In a press release announcing the decision, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) has officially confirmed that Rolls-Royce has been selected as the manufacturer of choice to build a prototype nuclear reactor for a potential lunar base, reports D Futurism.
Scientists and engineers at the company are developing a research program for what they call a “microreactor,” which would be a miniaturized, easy-to-transport, plug-and-play reactor that would eventually provide power for the lunar base.
– The British Space Agency has announced new funding of £2.9 million for a project that will enable the initial demonstration of the UK’s Lunar Modular Nuclear Reactor – the Government announced in a statement.
Interestingly, this is the second time that the British have chosen “Rolls Royce” for the construction of a nuclear reactor. The same company is to operate a small reactor for new nuclear submarines as part of the trilateral AUKUS agreement between the UK, US and Australia.