Rolls-Royce confirms space commitment at IAC Paris

Rolls-Royce Team speak to attendees of the IAC at their stand

Rolls-Royce is attending the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) for the first time as we ramp up our dedication to provide the “Power to Explore,” leveraging our extensive nuclear and aerospace pedigree.

As experts in innovation with over 60 years of expertise in nuclear power, across the entirety of its lifecycle, Rolls-Royce launched a Micro-Reactor concept in 2021, with plans for a first of its kind model ready by 2029. It is an ambitious and innovative project, with our nuclear pedigree at the forefront.

With support from the UK Space Agency alongside other interested parties, we are working to bring the micro-reactor technology to life, with power ranges from watts to megawatts, and future applications in terrestrial markets. Alongside the micro-reactor technology, we continue to explore and develop future nuclear power options to enable expanded mission capabilities in the space domain including sustained human presence on the moon and beyond.

The Rolls-Royce Stand at IAC 2022 Paris

Abi Clayton, Director for Future Programmes, Novel Nuclear at Rolls-Royce said: “The International Astronautical Congress is one of the key events in the space calendar and we’re really excited to be exhibiting here this year amongst so many other renowned businesses and space agencies.

“We’re incredibly proud of our nuclear heritage and over a century of innovation that comes with the brand of Rolls-Royce. We are excited by the opportunities that this new industry affords us, bringing our knowledge and capabilities to the forefront.

“Our space pedigree doesn’t just apply to nuclear power. We are also looking across our Defence business to access, power and propulsion opportunities with a range of exciting ideas and concepts in the pipeline.

“Alongside the micro-reactor technology, we are also providing our nuclear knowledge in the development of Radioisotope Power Systems, and the space opportunities of converting ‘decay heat’ into electrical energy via thermoelectric generators or moving parts. This is a very exciting time for the Future Programmes team and the development of nuclear power across Rolls-Royce.”

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
  1. Rolls-Royce pioneers the power that matters to connect, power and protect society. We have pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in our operations by 2030 (excluding product testing) and joined the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2020, affirming our ambition to play a fundamental role in enabling the sectors in which we operate achieve net zero carbon by 2050.
  2. Rolls-Royce has customers in more than 150 countries, comprising more than 400 airlines and leasing customers, 160 armed forces and navies, and more than 5,000 power and nuclear customers.
  3. Annual underlying revenue was £10.95 billion in 2021, underlying operating profit was £414m and we invested £1.18 billion on research and development. We also support a global network of 28 University Technology Centres, which position Rolls-Royce engineers at the forefront of scientific research.
  4. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)

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