The global race to return humans to the moon is heating up, with countries like the United States, Japan, and China all vying to send astronauts to the lunar surface. To facilitate this endeavor, essential infrastructure for habitation and work is required.
The UK Space Agency has stepped up by funding Rolls-Royce to develop a nuclear reactor designed to support a future moon base. This £2.9 billion ($3.52 billion) investment follows an initial £249,000 ($302,000) grant provided last year for Rolls-Royce’s preliminary study.
Rolls-Royce engineers and scientists are focusing on creating a nuclear micro-reactor due to its compact size and ability to operate regardless of sunlight or location. The micro-reactor is projected to be deployed on the moon in 2029.
This funding news arrives just two days after NASA and AXIOM Space unveiled the prototype spacesuit for Artemis III astronauts to wear on the moon. NASA’s current timeline sets the Artemis III mission for launch in December 2025 and includes plans for a lunar base camp.
The coming decade will likely witness significant advancements in lunar travel-related technologies. Last month, the UK Space Agency allocated £51 million (~$61.89 million) for UK companies to develop communication and navigation systems for future moon missions.
This initiative is part of the European Space Agency’s Moonlight program, which aims to position satellites around the moon to assist astronauts and rovers with communication and safety.
