Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver clean, safe and competitive solutions to meet our planet’s vital power needs.

Created: 2023-02-09

Updated: 2023-03-04

Company - Rolls-Royce

Founded
Country: 1884; UK

Website: Rolls-Royce

Product/Service

Classification: Space Utilities

Category: Nuclear Fission Power
Nuclear Radioisotope Power
Resources - Energy

Fields: Nuclear Power

Status: Concept

First launch: Not announced

Harnessing the natural decay of nuclear material, which releases heat over many decades, we can provide reliable power systems with extremely long-life spans. Americium powered Radioisotope devices could be used in space to power scientific and communications equipment, unlocking the exploration of the deepest parts of our universe.

Nuclear power offers significant advantages in space exploration. As a self-contained and power dense solution, a micro-reactor can provide power for exploration of a planetary surface, or for power and propulsion of space craft.

In 2021, Rolls-Royce has signed an innovative contract with the UK Space Agency for a study into future nuclear power options for space exploration. This first contract between both organisations represents an exciting opportunity to define and shape the nuclear power solutions required in space in the decades to come

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