The British company Rolls-Royce recently launched a concept version of a miniature nuclear reactor, but this concept version is still just a model. Rolls-Royce plans to launch a sample in 2029 to provide power support for lunar travel. This micro-reactor project is sponsored by the British Space Agency. The British Space Agency sponsored Rolls-Royce with 2.9 million pounds to research breakthrough lunar technology, so Rolls-Royce chose micro-reactors.
Why are microreactors so important? Because power supply is a big problem whether on the moon or in space. For example, the moon has two weeks of polar night, and it is impossible to generate electricity without light.
In the past, detectors in the United States liked to use fuel cells. This type of fuel cell is essentially a nuclear battery. It uses radioactive isotope decay and can continuously supply power to the detector without the need for light. However, although fuel cells have a long life, power is a problem. Micro-reactors can provide much higher power.
The Rolls-Royce reactor uses nuclear fission technology, with a length of 3 meters, a diameter of 1 meter, and a modular design. Currently, nuclear power plants on the earth mainly boil water. This operating structure may not be realistic in a 3x1 meter micro reactor, so engineers still need to study better solutions.
Of course, if you think that the British Space Agency's sponsorship of only 2.9 million pounds is very small (and it is indeed not much), you have not actually understood the purpose of Rolls-Royce, because if this micro-reactor can be successful, it will have a wide range of uses.
Its users can not only be used in lunar bases, but also in space travel, and of course can also be used on the earth. Especially in the current context of carbon neutrality, this kind of micro-reactor is a clean energy source that can reduce carbon emissions.
Finally, another important use is that this type of micro-reactor can also be used in the defense and military fields.