Westinghouse Electric Co., a nuclear and clean power technologies and services company, and Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic, a producer of computing systems for spacecraft, recently announced they have agreed to explore collaborating on space technology programs for NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense.
The companies will focus on the development of space nuclear technology and delivery systems as well as strengthening the space nuclear supply chain and work force in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
“Astrobotic and Westinghouse have deep roots in Pittsburgh, and we are excited to leverage both companies’ capabilities to pioneer the future of space power technologies and services,” John Thornton, Astrobotic CEO, said.
Westinghouse was awarded a NASA/Department of Energy contract last year to provide the initial design concept for a fission lunar surface power system.
Westinghouse is developing a scaled-down version of its 5-MWe eVinci microreactor for use in spacecraft in orbit or for deployment on the surface of planetary bodies.
The eVinci Microreactor allows for power systems ranging from several kilowatts to 5 megawatts of constant electricity for eight or more years without refueling. The technology supports space missions because it provides reliable, resilient, low-mass power generation that can be operated autonomously.
Astrobotic is developing a commercial power service designed for the lunar south pole.