The Department of Energy and NASA awarded IX, a joint venture between Intuitive Machines and X-energy, a contract to conduct a one-year study to mature the design of a Fission Surface Power (FSP) solution that will deliver at least 40 kWe power flight system to the Moon by 2028.
Houston, TX. – June 21, 2022 – The Department of Energy and NASA awarded IX, a joint venture between Intuitive Machines and X-energy, a contract to conduct a one-year study to mature the design of a Fission Surface Power (FSP) solution that will deliver at least 40 kWe power flight system to the Moon by 2028.
Intuitive Machines’ deep understanding of the Moon, lunar environments, and the company’s ability to access and build complex spacecraft put Intuitive Machines in place to lead systems engineering and design for maturing an FSP solution.
“This effective blend of companies brings existing and next-generation capabilities together to enable long-duration lunar surface missions,” said Intuitive Machines President and CEO Steve Altemus. “Our capable team will provide an agile, affordable Fission Surface Power solution to further human and robotic exploration of the lunar surface.”
X-energy is leading the development of an advanced small scale, portable reactor for space applications using its proprietary ceramic encapsulated fuel (TRISO-X) that can withstand temperatures four times greater than conventional nuclear fuel. Designed to be intrinsically safe, X-energy’s space reactors deliver long life and high thermal power output at low mass based on numerous micro-reactor innovations developed over the past several years.
“Our highly capable team, including Maxar and Boeing, is extremely honored to be selected for the initial design of this U.S.-led lunar power project. We recognize the importance of a dependable power source that can maintain lunar and Mars habitats around the clock, especially during the 14-day lunar nights,” said X-energy CEO Clay Sell. “This combined spaceflight-nuclear technology will protect the environment while enabling long-term power capabilities for the lunar Artemis program and future Mars expeditions.”
IX is a joint venture between Intuitive Machines and X-energy. Dr. Kam Ghaffarian is the founder and chairman of the board of both companies. Fission Surface Power is at the intersection of Intuitive Machines’ and X-energy’s strategic roadmap and leverages prior investment in reactor design, nuclear fuel, and lunar surface systems. IX assembled a best-of-industry team, combining capability in reactor design and operations, power conversion design, thermal management systems, and integrated space flight systems design with agility and innovative culture to deliver a complete Fission Surface Power solution.
About X-energy
X-energy is redefining nuclear energy. It manufactures fuel that seals uranium particles in a protective coating, which makes meltdown impossible and retains the waste inside forever. X-energy also designs plants that unlock the fuel's potential in a process that's as clean as wind or solar. When combined, the result is reliable carbon-free baseload power, produced more safely and affordably than ever before and available anywhere, at any time. For more information, visit https://x-energy.com/ or connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.
For more information contact:
Robert McEntyre, Corporate Communications Director, X-energy
rmcentyre@x-energy.com
(770) 548-5571