UK Space Agency taking strides in space exploration

Thanks to projects from the UK Space Agency, British space technology will help pioneer new approaches to energy, communications and resources.

British Science Week is a 10 day celebration of STEM, aiming to inspire interest in and celebrate the subjects for people of all ages.

The UK has a prominent role in space exploration. In 2019 it invested £180m over five years in the European Space Agency’s global exploration programme.

One project includes Rolls-Royce developing a power station for space to power the generation of water, breathable oxygen, and fuels for solar exploration. Using its 60-year nuclear expertise, it is developing a deployable, safe, and autonomous micro-reactor for the use in space domain.

Another project will develop imaging technology able to withstand the high radiation levels on Mars.

Another project will build a communications tool for astronauts to utilise to deal with he delay in conversations between Mars and Earth.

Engineers will also develop a robot able to search for resources on Mars, including oxygen and water.

Freeman said: “In addition to discovery breakthroughs, these projects will also ensure that people here on Earth benefit from new technology, including micro-reactor technology with the potential to support our net zero commitments.”

Abi Clayton, Future Programmes Director, Rolls-Royce said: “The support of the UK Space Agency has been instrumental in enabling the continued progress of the Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor development programme.

“This shows the true value of public and private partnerships as we bring together the space domain experience of the UK Space Agency with our own unique nuclear expertise. Together we can achieve ambitious technological firsts for the UK as we develop the power systems of the future.”

The UK is supporting international efforts to return humans to the Moon, with industry expected to build parts of the Lunar Gateway, a new space station that will orbit the Moon and provide a key stepping stone for human and robotic expeditions to the lunar surface.