Dr Eng. Hisham Elgendy from the National Centre for Nuclear Research has received funding under the MINIATURA 10 programme run by the National Science Centre. The grant will enable the development of nuclear technologies for future space propulsion systems.

The MINIATURA grant supports scientific activities aimed at preparing for future research projects. The project led by dr Elgendy forms part of the collaboration between the National Centre for Nuclear Research, the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Aviation (ILOT) and the European Space Agency (ESA) in the field of advanced energy and propulsion systems for future space missions.

In recent years, nuclear technologies have become one of the most promising areas of development in the global space sector. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) systems, which use the energy of a nuclear reactor to generate thrust, are of particular interest. Specifically, gas-cooled reactors such as HTGRs can directly generate rocket thrust, which significantly impacts the economics of the design. Such solutions can significantly expand the capabilities of future interplanetary missions, reduce journey times and improve the efficiency of transporting cargo and crews in space. This is of immense importance for protecting mission crews from prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation and microgravity.

As part of the project, dr Elgendy will work with ESA expert teams to analyse the technical requirements for integrating advanced reactor systems into spacecraft architecture. The research will focus on identifying design constraints, safety requirements and operational conditions that must be taken into account when designing future nuclear-powered energy and propulsion systems.

The project builds on the experience gained by the NCBJ during many years of work on advanced Generation IV nuclear reactors, in particular on the HTGR-POLA high-temperature reactor technology, as well as the expertise developed in the field of thermohydraulic analyses and CFD modelling. The results obtained will support the activities carried out by a wider research team and form the basis for the preparation of further joint projects carried out by NCBJ, ILOT and ESA.

– Nuclear technologies for space applications open up new possibilities for future space exploration – in particular, manned missions to Mars. Cooperation with ESA will allow us to better understand the requirements placed on power systems designed to operate in space and lay the foundations for further joint research projects – says dr Eng. Hisham Elgendy.

The significance of the project extends beyond a single scientific endeavour. The development of nuclear technologies for space applications is currently one of the most rapidly growing areas of research in the world, and the involvement of Polish institutions in such initiatives creates an opportunity to play an active role in future European technology programmes.

– The project allows the NCBJ to apply the experience gained during work on advanced Generation IV reactors to a new, highly promising area of research. Cooperation with ESA and ILOT strengthens the expertise necessary for Poland’s future participation in European programmes for the development of space technologies based on nuclear energy – emphasises Prof. Mariusz Dąbrowski, Head of the Nuclear Energy and Environmental Studies Division at NCBJ.

The funding represents a significant step in developing NCBJ's expertise in advanced nuclear technologies that could be applied in previously unexplored areas of the energy sector, such as the decarbonisation of marine, land and rail transport, and deep space exploration.