Westinghouse and Astrobotic partner on space technologies

Westinghouse Electric Company and Astrobotic have signed a memorandum of understanding on space technology research for NASA and the US Department of Defense. Astrobotic manufactures space rovers. Westinghouse will contribute its eVinci reactor.

In June 2022, NASA selected Westinghouse to develop the initial concept design for a fission power system to operate on the Moon. The reactor concept is expected to be completed by the end of this decade. Westinghouse is working on the project in collaboration with Battelle Energy Alliance. A 40 kW surface nuclear reactor is expected to operate for 10 years under lunar conditions.

Fission systems are relatively small, lightweight and reliable. They can also provide a continuous supply of energy regardless of location or other natural conditions.

eVinci microreactor

Westinghouse is developing smaller versions of its 5 MWe e-Vinci microreactor. Its plans include using the microreactor to power spacecraft in orbit or on missions to distant planets. Its use on planetary surfaces is also being considered, to provide a continuous supply of energy for space research and other applications.