Nasa wants to deploy reactor on Moon by 2030
US advanced reactor developer Nano Nuclear has issued a request for information (RFI) to identify organisations that could support technology development and demonstration related to its Loki micro modular reactor (MMR), which is being designed for missions to the Moon and Mars.
Nano Nuclear said the US is pursuing an expanded and sustained presence beyond low Earth orbit, with near-term objectives focused on the Moon and longer-term ambitions extending to Mars.
It said achieving these objectives will require reliable, resilient power systems capable of supporting continuous operations in extreme and remote environments.
Surface power is widely recognised as essential for enabling long-duration missions and permanent or semi-permanent infrastructure.
Last week the US Department of Energy and Nasa renewed their commitment to a longstanding partnership to support the research and development of a fission surface power system for use on the Moon by 2030.
Nano Nuclear is developing three MMRs, the Kronos, Zeus and Loki. The Loki MMR is being developed through the company’s subsidiary Nano Nuclear Space to address functional, operational and architectural considerations for space missions.
These considerations include continuous baseload power through extended lunar night or Martian winter, autonomous startup and shutdown, passive safety, launch and lander compatibility, modular interfaces, and integration with surface users and infrastructure.
