The UK Space Agency and British jet engine major, Rolls-Royce are working together to set up a small nuclear reactor on the moon! This reactor could serve as a long-term energy source for future human bases set up on the moon for exploration. The UK Space Agency, on March 17, announced approximately 3.3 million dollars in new funding for this nuclear program.
Rolls-Royce hopes to have a demonstration model for a modular micro reactor ready to deliver to the moon by 2029.
Many countries like USA, India, China and the EU are planning to have bases on the moon in the future and if this reactor starts functioning properly, it could be a huge boon for moon bases of the future.
This news has come just a few months before NASA plans to return astronauts to our natural satellite after more than 50 years and if successful, this could be, like Neil Armstrong said, 'a huge leap for mankind'.
That is all for this recent news update. Hope you found it informative. Show your support by following this blog for more interesting technology news.
Regards,
Aarav Iyer
References:
(1) The Times Of India