Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new concept of a micro-nuclear reactor for space, which it says is designed to use a safe and highly reliable form of fuel.

Using the energy produced by splitting atoms, nuclear propulsion systems for space have enormous potential to accelerate space travel and reduce travel time. This could be particularly important when sending humans to Mars.

Rolls-Royce has revealed an early micro-nuclear reactor design under the company’s 2021 agreement with the UK Space Agency. As part of this deal, Rolls-Royce is testing nuclear engine technology for space.

“Each uranium particle is surrounded by several protective layers that act as a containment system that enables it to withstand extreme conditions”Rolls-Royce wrote next to an image of the micronuclear reactor design.

With scientists and major organizations increasingly considering nuclear fuel for space exploration, NASA and DARPA have announced plans to build a nuclear thermal rocket by 2027.