Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Rolls-Royce Halts Moon Nuclear Reactor Plan
Rolls-Royce, a big company that makes engines, had a plan to send a small nuclear reactor to the Moon by 2029.
They got money from the UK government to work on this project, which was supposed to help astronauts live on the Moon.
But now, they've stopped working on it because they couldn't find other companies to help them.
The UK gave them £9 million to explore how nuclear power could be used for future Moon bases.
Even though Rolls-Royce might start the project again if they find partners, the US is still very interested in using nuclear power for space missions.
Nuclear energy is seen as a good way to provide power on the Moon, no matter the conditions.
Rolls-Royce has halted its plan to develop a mini nuclear reactor for the Moon due to a lack of potential partners.
The project, backed by £9 million in UK government funding, aimed to provide nuclear power for future Moon bases.
Rolls-Royce is still prepared to resume work on the project if suitable partners are found.
The UK Space Agency provided funding to explore the use of nuclear power for lunar bases.
The US, through NASA, remains committed to developing nuclear power sources for Moon missions.
- Who
- Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc
- What
- Halted a plan to develop a mini nuclear reactor for the Moon
- When
- The project is currently on standstill
- Where
- The project was based in the UK, aimed at the Moon
- Why
- Due to a lack of potential partners and government funding
- Company
- Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc
- Project
- Mini nuclear reactor for the Moon
- Funding
- £9 million ($12 million) from UK government
- Target Date
- 2029 for Moon deployment
- Reason for Halt
- Lack of potential partners
- US Commitment
- NASA supports nuclear power for Moon missions
- Potential Use
- Power source for future Moon bases