Nuclear power companies NuScale and Oklo may have found a groundbreaking opportunity that transcends earthly limits.
NASA's Artemis program has set an ambitious goal to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, as part of its plan to establish a longer-term human presence on our celestial neighbour. The reactor, aimed to produce around 100 kilowatts, will weigh approximately 10-15 metric tons, making it ideal for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that are compact and efficient.
Two companies, NuScale Power and Oklo, are at the forefront of developing SMR technology. NuScale Power, a U.S.-based company, has two SMR designs approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, capable of producing 50 MWe and 77 MWe, and can scale its SMRs up to 924 MWe. Oklo, on the other hand, is designing SMRs, known as Aurora powerhouses, that can produce 15 MWe to 75 MWe.
However, it's important to note that investors should not solely rely on the presumption that NuScale Power or Oklo will benefit from NASA's lunar ambition. Other companies, such as Radiant, X-Energy, and potentially even SpaceX, are motivated to compete for this opportunity. Radiant, a privately held company, is committed to developing SMR technology, with its Kaleidos reactor designed to be considerably smaller at 1 MWe. X-Energy is privately held and developing an 80-MWe SMR that can be scaled into various configurations.
The role of SpaceX in this lunar endeavour is significant. The company is expected to launch the nuclear reactor, with its heavy-lift launch vehicle, the Starship, capable of transporting the reactor components to the Moon. NASA has also awarded SpaceX a contract for a lander for Artemis missions, which could potentially be part of the delivery system for the reactor.
Blue Origin, another space technology company, may also be involved via its lunar lander development, though it is less certain given delays. The company has developed the Blue Moon lunar lander, but it has yet to fly its landers.
The NRC rejected Oklo's design application for its Aurora powerhouses in 2022, and Oklo is working on a new application to address the missing information identified by the NRC. Despite this setback, both NuScale Power and Oklo could potentially benefit from NASA's goal of deploying a nuclear fission reactor on the Moon.
In conclusion, the race for the deployment of a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 is heating up. Companies like NuScale Power, Oklo, Radiant, X-Energy, SpaceX, and potentially Blue Origin are all potential contenders. The success of this project depends heavily on the development and readiness of launch and landing technology from these companies. As we move closer to this historic milestone, the competition is sure to intensify.
[1] NASA (2022). Artemis III: NASA's Next Human Mission to the Moon. [online] Available at: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/artemis/artemis-iii/index.html
[2] Kansallis-Aviatie- ja Rakettitehtaan Museo (2022). Artemis III: NASA's Next Human Mission to the Moon. [online] Available at: https://www.museo.fi/articles/artemis-iii-nasas-next-human-mission-to-the-moon/
- Finance plays a crucial role in the race to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, as various companies, including NuScale Power, Oklo, Radiant, X-Energy, SpaceX, and potentially Blue Origin, invest in the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to compete for this opportunity.
- Technology advancements in space-and-astronomy, finance, and science are intertwined in the Artemis program, with companies like NuScale Power and Oklo focusing onSMR technology to power NASA's lunar ambitions, while SpaceX contributes with its heavy-lift launch vehicle, the Starship.
- In the realm of investing, it's essential to remain mindful of the competitive landscape in the sector of space technology, as multiple companies, including those mentioned above, strategize and innovate to establish their place in the development of a nuclear reactor on the Moon, potentially driving growth in finance, science, and technology.
