France’s Framatome Space and ENEA, the Italian Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore advanced technological solutions for designing nuclear fission reactors to power future lunar settlements.
Framatome said the agreement marks an essential stage in space exploration and the sustainable use of lunar resources. “Increasing the technological maturity of nuclear reactors for surface applications will widen Europe’s portfolio of knowledge and capabilities, a vital asset in the race to return humans to the Moon and in preparing for future voyages to Mars.”
The MOU envisages three areas of cooperation. The first focuses on studies of the fuel required for the reactor, with a view to ensuring both efficiency and safety. The second will look at the development of new materials capable of withstanding the extreme conditions in space. The third will investigate the use of additive manufacturing for reactor components.
“This partnership with ENEA brings the creation of Framatome Space to fruition and validates the importance of having an industrial and historical actor involved in future developments,” said Grégoire Lambert, Vice President of Framatome Space. “The overall success of such developments will require different European competencies; we are happy to be part of the adventure.”
Alessandro Dodaro, Director of ENEA’s Nuclear Department, noted: “Pooling and integrating our expertise together with Framatome is a stepping stone for increasing the international outreach of our activities on surface nuclear reactors, which is a precondition for success in such a complex technological endeavour. Furthermore, the collaboration will enable the development of even more competitive technical solutions so to push further the industrial maturity of the sector.”
Read more: NASA leads lunar nuclear plans
