UK-based global propulsion and power systems group Rolls-Royce highlighted, on Thursday, its attendance, for the first time, at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). IAC 2022 was being held in Paris. This participation signalled Rolls-Royce’s commitment to space exploration and development.

At the start of last year, the group had signed a contract with the UK Space Agency to carry out a study into future nuclear power options for space exploration. “The [IAC] is one of the key events in the space calendar and we’re really excited to be exhibiting here this year amongst so many other renowned businesses and space agencies,” enthused Rolls-Royce Future Programmes: Novel Nuclear director Abi Clayton.

Rolls-Royce has developed a concept for a micro-reactor for use in space. In March this year the company was awarded £249 000 by the UK government to support the development of this micro-reactor. In space, nuclear power had the potential to both drive spaceships and to power space colonies and outposts, whether crewed or uncrewed.

“We’re incredibly proud of our nuclear heritage and over a century of innovation that comes with the brand of Rolls-Royce,” she affirmed. “We are excited by the opportunities that this new industry affords us, bringing our knowledge and capabilities to the forefront. Our space pedigree doesn’t just apply to nuclear power. We are also looking across our defence business to access power and propulsion opportunities with a range of exciting ideas and concepts in the pipeline.”

Nuclear power in space did not mean only nuclear reactors in space. For example, for decades, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration has used heat produced by radioactive decay, in systems called radioisotope thermoelectric generators (which have no moving parts), to power uncrewed space probes, particularly those intended to operate in the outer Solar System.

“Alongside micro-reactor technology, we are also providing our nuclear knowledge in the development of Radioisotope Power Systems, and the space opportunities of converting ‘decay heat’ into electrical energy via thermoelectric generators or moving parts,” she assured. “This is a very exciting time for the Future Programmes team and the development of nuclear power across Rolls-Royce.”