This breakthrough technology is aimed at overcoming the limits of solar energy for lunar and deep-space missions, expanding the reach of human exploration across the solar system.
The funding extension builds on a previous US$9.5 million (AU$14.68 million) AFRL program, under which Intuitive Machines designed a Stirling-based power conversion system, a compact engine that transforms heat from radioisotopes into electricity.
That earlier phase wrapped up with a successful preliminary design review in September. With this new investment, the company will begin preparing the system for flight testing, marking a major step towards demonstrating operational nuclear power in orbit.
Solar energy currently drives most space missions but it falls short during the two-week lunar night, when temperatures plunge below minus 120 degrees and sunlight disappears.
To survive, spacecraft must rely on heavy, complex back-up systems such as batteries or radioisotope generators. Intuitive Machines said its Stirling engine technology can deliver continuous power and heat in a compact, scalable package, keeping systems alive where solar simply can’t.
“This award moves us from design to flight hardware,” said Dr Tim Crain, the company’s co-founder and chief growth officer. “Proving compact nuclear systems can survive and perform in space is key to sustained lunar and deep-space operations.”
The company’s upcoming Stirling Technology spAce Research experimenT (START) will test the system aboard the International Space Station, exposing it to the harsh space environment. If successful, the experiment could push the technology’s readiness from prototype to space-proven status, paving the way for applications in commercial, civil and defence missions.
Intuitive Machines is also working with the US Department of Energy under NASA’s Fission Surface Power program, exploring larger scale nuclear systems for future lunar bases.
“Our progress with AFRL strengthens our position for NASA’s nuclear initiatives,” Crain said. “It’s how we evolve from a lunar delivery provider into a commercial infrastructure company on the moon.”