Rumor has it that in the not-too-distant future, we might actually be able to set up camp on the Moon and live our wildest astronaut dreams. That’s right, folks; it looks like the Moon is going to become the hottest real estate in the universe! Soon, you could be packing your bags, hopping on a space shuttle, and starting a new life on the lunar surface. Just imagine, low-gravity parties, moon buggy races, and a view of Earth that will make your head spin. The future is looking bright, or should we say, out of this world!
But realistically speaking, it’s still way too early to make such plans. That doesn’t mean, however, that humanity cannot take small steps in that direction.
A nuclear-powered mini reactor could provide long-term energy for lunar bases
The UK Space Agency is providing continued funding for Rolls-Royce’s project to develop a small nuclear-powered reactor that could provide long-term energy for lunar bases, as Space.com reveals. The project aims to create a modular micro-reactor that will generate, transfer, and convert heat into usable energy. The company aims to have a demonstration model ready for delivery to the Moon by 2029. The micro-reactor program could provide the necessary power for continuous human presence on the Moon, which is currently powered mainly by solar energy. Rolls-Royce is partnering with several universities to develop the technology and prepare it for operation in the lunar environment.
George Freeman explained:
Partnerships like this, between British industry, the U.K. Space Agency and government, are helping to create jobs across our £16 billion space tech sector and help ensure the U.K. continues to be a major force in frontier science.
The last time humans went to the Moon was during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. Since then, no human has set foot on the Moon, making it over 50 years since the last lunar landing. However, there have been many unmanned missions to the Moon, including orbiters, landers, and rovers, from various countries such as the United States, Russia, China, and India.
