Today: Feb 12, 2025

Fuel Innovation: Bangor University’s Moon Base Ambitions

1 year ago

In an exciting leap towards the future of space exploration, scientists at Bangor University in Wales are pioneering groundbreaking research to design fuel that could sustain life on the moon. This endeavor holds the potential to revolutionize space travel, making it safer and more efficient, while also addressing the pressing need for power sources in lunar bases.

Their work has garnered attention and support, with Rolls-Royce securing funding to build a nuclear reactor for an eventual lunar base. NASA’s ambitious Artemis mission, which aims to return astronauts, including the first woman, to the moon’s surface by the end of 2025, hinges on this foundational work.

Professor Simon Middleburgh, a key figure at Bangor University’s Nuclear Futures Institute, elaborates on their mission: “We’ve been developing the bit in the middle of a nuclear reactor.” Their collaboration extends to industry leaders like Rolls-Royce, the National Nuclear Laboratory, and NASA, all working to create compact lunar reactors.

At the heart of this innovation lies fuel crafted using TRISO particles, comparable in size to poppy seeds. This fuel could hold the key to sustaining life on future moon bases. Professor Middleburgh highlights the urgency, stating, “We’re looking at getting one of these reactors on the moon by the 2030s, so we really do need to get a wiggle on.”

What sets this challenge apart is the fuel’s multifaceted nature. It must withstand the rigors of launch, endure the forces encountered in space, and provide reliable power to the reactor for approximately 15 years. These complexities underscore the innovation and dedication required to make this dream a reality.

While the moon remains a focal point, India has also embarked on a historic mission to the lunar south pole, where a rover searches for water ice that could serve as fuel, oxygen, and drinking water for future lunar inhabitants.

Being part of this pioneering research is a dream come true for those involved. Professor Middleburgh expresses his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s every kid’s dream, I think, to play around with the space race and be involved with it.”

However, the quest for space reactor fuel demands more minds and hands. Professor Middleburgh emphasizes the need for increased involvement, saying, “We need more people around the UK to do it, we also need more people at Bangor to do it.” To encourage participation, Bangor University has launched a new general engineering program, inviting undergraduates to engage in exciting projects like space reactors and nuclear medicine.

As we witness these remarkable strides in fuel innovation, we find ourselves on the cusp of transformative advancements in space exploration, promising a brighter future beyond our planet’s boundaries.

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