Reliable, consistent electric power is a necessity for establishing human-occupied bases on the Moon. This is why the Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC) of Toronto wants to develop a transportable nuclear fission reactor for use in these locations, under the name ‘Project LEUNR.’
And this is no mere pipe dream: The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has granted $1 million to CSMC to help fund Project LEUNR, under the CSA’s Space Technology Development Program (STDP).
According to CSMC Founder and CEO Daniel Sax, transportable nuclear power generation is a natural for space colonization. “As we return to the lunar environment, it is evident that much of the Artemis architecture and international plans are contingent on the availability of power on the lunar surface,” he said. Given Canada’s long history in nuclear electrical power generation, having a Canadian engineering firm adapt this fission technology for extraterrestrial use makes good sense.
“We believe this solution can be ready years in advance of international efforts, and at a fraction of the cost of the well-known FSP (Fission Surface Power) solutions,” said Sax. “It is well positioned as a bridge solution, capable of filling the gap left by SMR (small modular reactor) manufacturers that overpromise timelines and realistically won’t deliver before the mid 2030s. It provides an opportunity for Canada to establish a key strategic position as a world leader in space nuclear power.”
According to Daniel Sax, CSA’s STDP funding will support Project LEUNR for two years. “CSMC is targeting a 2029 launch for the space version of the reactor, in order to enable activities on the lunar surface, including lunar night survival, ISRU (In-Situ Resource Utilization), and infrastructure development,” he said. “Through this project, CSMC aims to raise the status of the reactor and its components at a systems level, TRL (Technical Readiness Level) 4 to TRL 5, alongside our technical and academic partners. This should position CSMC to begin the construction of a demonstration version of the space prototype of LEUNR so that it can be tested and prepared for launch. The project will also validate the various aspects of LEUNR’s concept of operations as it moves towards establishing a scalable solution for the lunar surface.”
Sax credits the CSA’s STDP funding with moving Project LEUNR “towards a level where it can be commercialized in the market,” he said. “It is a strong signal to the international community that Canada is here to play in space nuclear power and can deliver key Canadian solutions that lead the rest of the world. On Earth, the CSA’s funding enables CSMC to push forward the reactor’s dual-use applications that can help address the challenges to reaching net-zero, and replacing the use of diesel power in the Arctic.”
“Space is hard, and the STDP program helps companies like us de-risk these technologies,” he added. “It signals to other players that these technologies have been vetted, as the CSA runs a competitive and challenging process that we often say is a very high bar. It means a lot to our company to have the support of the CSA on this project, as it allows us to make key investment decisions, hire people, and build customer relationships.”