Westinghouse Electric Co. and Astrobotic Technology Inc. are partnering to develop nuclear technology programs for NASA and the Department of Defense.
A "memorandum of understanding" has been signed by the two Pittsburgh-area companies that will see the firms collaborate on the creation of new space nuclear technology and delivery systems. Part of the agreement also calls on Westinghouse and Astrobotic to tap into and help grow the workforces of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to help see these efforts through.
The partnership builds on prior independent-yet-related developments at the companies.
In 2022, the federal government awarded Westinghouse a contract to provide an initial design concept for a fission lunar surface power system. Westinghouse is now in the process of developing a scaled-down version of its 5-MWe eVinci microreactor, which will look to power spacecraft in orbit or be deployed on the surfaces of celestial bodies such as the moon or Mars.
Astrobotic, which will send its first lunar lander — Peregrine — to the surface of the moon sometime this summer, is also making strides in the field of space power services. The company is currently working on the development of LunaGrid, a commercial power service designed for the lunar south pole that relies on solar panels that can be repositioned to accommodate the various needs of astronauts or their tools while on the moon.
David Durham, Westinghouse president for energy systems, in a prepared statement said, "Westinghouse is excited to partner with Astrobotic on delivering the next wave of innovative nuclear technology that is vital to advancing space exploration and supporting national defense missions."
Added John Thornton, CEO of North Side-based Astrobotic: "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."
