The team of researchers, based in north Wales, have been working in partnership with Rolls Royce to develop a source of energy that could sustain long stays on the Earth’s satellite. 

Using TRISO particles, they designed Trisofuel, a small nuclear cell that could power the carmakers’ micro nuclear generator. 

The generator is a portable device the size of a small car and “something you can stick on a rocket,” said the university’s Professor Simon Middleburgh, from the Nuclear Futures Institute. Trisofuel has now been sent to the researchers’ partners for further testing. 

Artist’s impression of a lunar colony / Rolls Royce

Image credit: Rolls Royce

Nuclear power has the potential to dramatically increase the duration of future lunar missions and their scientific value as...