Space Funding Paves Way for New Approaches to Energy, Communication and Resources
March 14, 2022 | UK Space AgencyEstimated reading time: 1 minute
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/8616/9086/9053/Rolls_Royce.jpg)
Science and Innovation Minister George Freeman announced the £2 million boost for 13 new projects during British Science Week (11-20 March), which aims to inspire interest in and celebrate science, engineering, technology and maths for people of all ages.
The projects include Rolls-Royce developing a power station for space that could power the generation of water, breathable oxygen and fuels for solar exploration.
Another will develop new imaging technology which can withstand the high radiation levels on Mars, while a third will build a communications tool for astronauts to tackle the delay in conversations between Mars and Earth. Engineers will also develop a robot that will search for resources such as oxygen and water in Moon rocks.
Science and Innovation Minister George Freeman said, “As we celebrate British Science Week, I am pleased to announce this £2 million package to support 13 new projects for the UK’s brilliant scientists and engineers to help us take significant strides in space exploration and discovery. 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 partnership 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?has a leading role in space exploration and invested £180 million over five years in the European Space Agency’s global exploration programme in 2019.
The UK, through Airbus,?is?leading on the Sample Fetch Rover, which will play a key role in the joint NASA/ESA Mars Sample Return mission – the first mission aiming to bring back samples of Mars to Earth.
The UK is also 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.
Suggested Items
Intel Names Naga Chandrasekaran to Lead Foundry Manufacturing and Supply Chain
07/26/2024 | IntelIntel Corporation today announced the appointment of Dr. Naga Chandrasekaran as chief global operations officer, executive vice president and general manager of Intel Foundry Manufacturing and Supply Chain organization.
We Energies, Foxconn Complete Clean Energy Project in Wisconsin
07/25/2024 | FoxconnWe Energies, a Wisconsin-based utility company of WEC Energy Group, and Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn) are pleased to announce the completion of a solar panel installation project at Foxconn’s Science and Technology Park in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
Pragmatic Semiconductor Appoints Murthy Renduchintala to Board of Directors
07/25/2024 | PRNewswirePragmatic Semiconductor Ltd. announced the appointment of Dr. Venkata "Murthy" Renduchintala, as a non-executive director to Pragmatic's Board of Directors, effective immediately.
Altair Signs MoU With University of Nottingham to Develop Aerospace Digital Twin Project
07/25/2024 | PRNewswireAltair, a global leader in computational intelligence, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the U.K.-based University of Nottingham for a digital twin project within the aerospace sector.
MKS’ Atotech and ESI Participate in Electronics Circuit Asia in Thailand
07/25/2024 | AtotechMKS Instruments announces its participation at the Electronics Circuit Asia 2024 in Thailand, July 24-26, highlighting its leading brands Atotech® and ESI® and related advances in advanced packaging, package substrate, and printed circuit board manufacturing.