British techn can help develop the power plant in space.
Projects from UK Space Agency will receive a £ 2 million increase public funding for 13 new projects.
Projects include the Rolls-Royce power plant, which generates water and oxygen for breathing in space.
Engineers will also develop a robot that will look for resources such as oxygen and water in lunar rocks.
Another will develop new technology that can withstand high levels of radiation on Mars, and a third will create a communication tool for astronauts to combat delays in conversations between Mars and Earth.
Science Minister George Freeman has announced a £ 2m increase for 13 new projects during British Science Week (11-20 March).
(Image: PA)
He said: “In addition to the breakthroughs in discovery, these projects also ensure that people here on Earth will benefit from new technologies, including microreactor technology, that can support our net zero commitments.”
Abby Clayton, future Rolls-Royce program director, said: “Support from the UK Space Agency has played an important role in the further progress of the Rolls-Royce microreactor development program.
“This demonstrates the true value of public-private partnerships as we combine the UK space experience with our own unique nuclear expertise.
(Image: PA)
“Together we can achieve an ambitious technology first in the UK if we develop the energy systems of the future.”
The UK has invested £ 180 million over five years in the European Space Agency’s global research program.
He manages the Sample Fetch Rover rover, which will play a key role in the joint NASA / ESA Mars Sample Return mission, and supports international efforts to return humans to the moon.
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