UK Space Agency supports Rolls-Royce and BWX Technologies in developing space reactors

UK Space Agency supports Rolls-Royce and BWX Technologies in developing space reactors
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Apr 16, 2024

Rolls-Royce today secured Phase 2 funding from the UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund (IBF), which promotes strategic research partnerships between the UK space sector and emerging space nations.

The company received a GBP 1.18 million award from the fund, supporting collaboration to enhance the technologies for a fission nuclear system, benefiting both UK and U.S. space nuclear development programs for various space power missions.

In partnership with BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC (BWXT) of the U.S., Rolls-Royce aims to use this phase to advance nuclear applications in space, leveraging both companies' core nuclear design and manufacturing capabilities.

This collaboration is part of the broader Atlantic Declaration commitment, reaffirmed by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and U.S. President Joe Biden on June 8, 2023, to explore cooperation in space nuclear power and propulsion.

BWXT, with its 70-year history in U.S. nuclear component manufacturing, complements Rolls-Royce's extensive experience in the UK, fostering a robust strategic partnership.

Steve Carlier, President of Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd, commented, "Winning this award allows us to continue our valuable work with the UK Space Agency and BWXT, building on over 130 years of combined nuclear experience across the Atlantic."

"This partnership not only expands our existing relationships but also explores new strategic avenues to enhance space nuclear technology development," added Carlier.

Joe Miller, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC, remarked, "This collaboration leverages our joint expertise in nuclear energy systems, which are essential for advancing space exploration, supporting global security, and promoting sustainable energy solutions."

Space missions rely on robust power sources for communication, life support, and scientific experiments. Nuclear power promises to extend the duration and scientific output of future space missions significantly.

With the UK Space Agency's continued support, this project aims to develop micro-reactors for space, ensuring sustainable and resilient power solutions.

Professor Anu Ojha, Director of Championing Space at the UK Space Agency, emphasized the project's potential, "This initiative not only positions the UK as a pioneering space nation but also stimulates the local space sector, creating jobs and attracting further investments."

The project builds on a prior GBP 2.9 million grant from the UK Space Agency for initial UK lunar modular nuclear reactor developments under the Lunar Surface Nuclear Power Contract and Phase 1 of the IBF project in 2023.