Space Events

Rolls-Royce confirms space commitment at IAC Paris

Posted 23 September 2022

Rolls-Royce has ramped up its efforts to provide the 'Power to Explore' and confirmed its space commitment by attending the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) for the first time, which was held in Paris this week.

Above: (left ro right) Mark Cheeseman, Head of Business Development and Future Programmes; Abi Clayton, Director of Future Programmes; Sedar Yildirim, President of Turkish Space Agency and Dr Ayhan Incirci, Director of International Relations, Turkish Space Agency.
Courtesy Rolls-Royce

As experts in innovation with over 60 years of expertise in nuclear power, across the entirety of its lifecycle, Rolls-Royce launched a Micro-Reactor concept in 2021, with plans for a first of its kind model ready by 2029.

With support from the UK Space Agency alongside other interested parties, Rolls-Royce are working to bring the micro-reactor technology to life, with power ranges from watts to megawatts, and future applications in terrestrial markets. Alongside the micro-reactor technology, Rolls-Royce continue to explore and develop future nuclear power options to enable expanded mission capabilities in the space domain including sustained human presence on the moon and beyond.

Abi Clayton, Director for Future Programmes, Novel Nuclear at Rolls-Royce said: “The International Astronautical Congress is one of the key events in the space calendar and we’re really excited to be exhibiting here this year amongst so many other renowned businesses and space agencies.

“We’re incredibly proud of our nuclear heritage and over a century of innovation that comes with the brand of Rolls-Royce. We are excited by the opportunities that this new industry affords us, bringing our knowledge and capabilities to the forefront.

“Our space pedigree doesn’t just apply to nuclear power. We are also looking across our Defence business to access, power and propulsion opportunities? with a range of exciting ideas and concepts in the pipeline.

“Alongside the micro-reactor technology, we are also providing our nuclear knowledge in the development of Radioisotope Power Systems, and the space opportunities of converting ‘decay heat’ into electrical energy via thermoelectric generators or moving parts. This is a very exciting time for the Future Programmes team and the development of nuclear power across Rolls-Royce.”