Reliable, continuous power will be essential for supporting habitats, scientific research, communications and robotic operations in the harsh lunar environment.
With this challenge in mind, London-based Harlette Capital Ltd has launched its ALPHA LUNAR™ Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Request for Information (RFI), seeking collaboration with leading organisations working in advanced nuclear technology.
The initiative is designed to explore the potential for compact micro nuclear reactors capable of providing dependable energy for future lunar infrastructure. Unlike solar power, which is limited by the Moon's long nights and harsh environmental conditions, nuclear energy offers the possibility of continuous electricity generation regardless of location or time of day.
As part of the RFI process, Harlette Capital has invited major players in the nuclear sector, including Rolls-Royce SMR and Westinghouse Electric Company, to contribute technical information and participate in discussions on technologies that could support future lunar power systems.
The company says the ALPHA LUNAR™ programme will investigate a range of innovative concepts, including the possible integration of hydrogen-based technologies alongside compact reactor designs. The aim is to better understand how these technologies could support permanent lunar operations safely and efficiently.
Among the programme's objectives are the development of lightweight power systems, highly reliable long-duration energy generation, advanced thermal management, radiation shielding and autonomous operation. The company is also interested in technologies that could support communications networks, scientific payloads and critical infrastructure for future international lunar missions.
The launch follows Harlette Capital's participation in the International Conference on Topical Issues in Nuclear Installation Safety, hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna earlier this summer. The company also attended a joint meeting organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the IAEA, where experts discussed the growing collaboration between the space and nuclear sectors.
Rather than commissioning hardware immediately, the Request for Information represents an early-stage market engagement exercise. Harlette Capital hopes to identify current technological capabilities, future development pathways and opportunities for collaboration with industry, universities and research organisations.
Founder Harlette DeFalaise (PICTURED) told That's Technology that reliable, compact nuclear power could become one of the key technologies enabling humanity's long-term presence on the Moon.
Through the ALPHA LUNAR™ initiative, the company aims to gather expertise from across the nuclear and aerospace industries to help shape future research partnerships and programme planning.
As international interest in returning to the Moon gathers pace, initiatives such as ALPHA LUNAR™ highlight the increasingly important role that advanced energy technologies could play in making sustained lunar exploration a practical reality.
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