Welsh University to support nuclear power on the Moon

Bangor University is leading one of eight projects funded by the UK Space Agency developing technology to support deep space exploration.

All space missions depend on a power source, to support systems for communications, life-support and science experiments.Such stable nuclear fuel systems are vital to enabling deep space missions.

Bangor University’s research, led by Dr Phylis Makurunje, will use additive manufacturing techniques to create nuclear-based fuels for space propulsion.

Professor in Nuclear Materials and Co-director of the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University, Prof Simon Middleburgh said:

“This project will harness the expertise in nuclear fuels which we have within the Nuclear Futures Institute and apply it to one of the most exciting applications possible: space exploration.

Once a spacecraft travels beyond our planet, it can no longer rely on the Sun for energy. Nuclear power is the only way we currently have to provide the power for that length of space travel.”

Another project receiving funding is creating remote equipment that scientists can use to run experiments on biological models in deep space from Earth, enabling them to better understand the impact of space on human health and begin designing medical treatments for astronauts.

The UK Space Agency said the selected projects "could revolutionise our ability to journey deeper into space - and even travel to Mars - safely and efficiently, using remote technologies and supplies found in space to sustain astronauts and spacecraft".

"Space is the ultimate frontier, laboratory and technology testbed," said Minister of State with responsibility for Space at the new Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman.

"The UK's long history of leadership in deep space science and exploration is key to both understanding our solar system and origins of life, and creating opportunities for our high growth SpaceTech sector.”