When we talk about Rolls-Royce, The first thing that comes to mind for the vast majority is their impressive cars. (which actually correspond to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars). From the legendary Phantom, with many evolutions in history, to designs that will surprise those who associate the brand exclusively with this type of vehicle, such as the Specter coupe or the Cullinan super luxury SUV, these are vehicles that are far beyond the reach of ordinary mortals, but are also an aspirational dream its significant parts.

Less well known, although extremely relevant, is its presence in the world of aviation, more specifically in relation to engines, in this case through Rolls-Royce Motors, where it has long played a more than relevant role. From their Rolls-Royce Merlin, which powered, among others, the RAF’s legendary Supermarine Spitfire during the Second World War, to the Rolls-Royce Trent, which can be found in transport aircraft current Airbuses and Boeings, not to mention novelties such as the hydrogen-powered Rolls-Royce AE 2100 modification shown at the end of last year.

So we are talking about a historical brand, currently shared between the two companies, which In fact, it is much more innovative than is usually assumed., which is especially true for Rolls-Royce Motors. So much so that in the coming years, the company could play a vital role in the most ambitious plans for space exploration, which today include, as you know, going back to the moon and establishing a permanent or semi-permanent presence and then aiming for the first manned mission to Mars.

The challenge is colossal in both cases, and many actors are already involved in the various developments necessary for these purposes. That is the case that concerns us, and it is Rolls-Royce is developing a nuclear microreactor for use in lunar facilities. The company, funded by British public funds, has already been able to show the first concept model, which represents the starting point for a complex development, but with great potential.

Although there is still a lot of work ahead, Rolls-Royce is confident The first functional block of this microreactor can be ready within six years, and which could therefore be used in the establishment of colonies from the beginning of the next decade. There is no data on this particular device, but standard microreactor production is usually below 50 megawatts, although in this case, given the particularly special conditions it would have to operate under, one can imagine its output to be significantly lower. Last year, NASA awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse and IX (a joint venture between Intuitive Machines and X-Energy) to develop preliminary designs for a fission microreactor like the one unveiled by Rolls-Royce. Royce. with a power of 40 kilowatts and a lifespan of 10 years.

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