Latest news with #Artemis'
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
NASA to build nuclear reactor on Moon by 2030: What is behind the ambitious plan?
NASA has unveiled plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 as part of its Artemis program , which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and establish a sustainable presence. This ambitious move comes amid increasing international competition in space exploration, with countries like China and Russia developing similar nuclear-powered lunar projects. The reactor is designed to provide a continuous, reliable source of energy to power habitats, scientific instruments, rovers, and mining operations, especially during the Moon's lengthy nights and permanently shadowed craters where solar power is ineffective. The development of this nuclear power system marks a crucial step toward creating the infrastructure necessary for long-term lunar habitation and resource utilization. Unlike previous missions that relied heavily on solar panels and limited battery storage, a nuclear reactor could enable round-the-clock operations and pave the way for deeper space exploration, including future missions to Mars. Why NASA wants to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon NASA has been quietly developing small nuclear power systems in collaboration with the Department of Energy for years. The plan is to deploy a small modular nuclear reactor capable of producing at least 100 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power about 80 homes on Earth. This reactor will provide continuous energy without interruption, a critical advantage over solar power, which falters during the Moon's two-week-long nights. The Moon's south pole is a particular focus due to its abundant water ice deposits, essential for life support and fuel production. However, these craters are permanently shadowed, receiving little to no sunlight, rendering solar energy impractical. The nuclear reactor will enable operations in these challenging environments, supporting scientific research, mining activities, and habitat life-support systems. NASA's Acting Administrator Sean Duffy has emphasized the importance of this technology for Artemis' goals, calling it a 'game changer' for sustained lunar presence. The project is also seen as a testbed for technologies that could eventually support human missions to Mars, where solar energy is even less reliable. Geopolitical stakes and the race for lunar infrastructure The push for a nuclear reactor on the Moon comes at a time of heightened geopolitical competition in space. China announced plans in 2025 to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035, while Russia has also expressed ambitions in this domain. Establishing nuclear infrastructure is more than a technical achievement; it signals a country's ability to exert influence and control over critical lunar regions. Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, no nation can claim sovereignty over the Moon or other celestial bodies. However, building infrastructure such as nuclear reactors and bases effectively sets 'keep-out zones' around these installations. These zones grant operators significant control over access to nearby resources, like the valuable ice deposits at the lunar south pole, which could be used to produce rocket fuel and sustain life. Experts view NASA's project as a strategic move to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration and to shape international norms for the responsible and peaceful use of nuclear power beyond Earth. Transparency, adherence to international guidelines, and cooperation will be essential to prevent conflict and ensure that space remains a domain for peaceful exploration. Why nuclear power is essential for the future of space exploration Solar panels have powered numerous space missions successfully, but their limitations are becoming increasingly apparent as humans prepare for long-term habitation beyond Earth. The Moon's long nights and shadowed craters present significant challenges for solar energy, while Mars' greater distance from the Sun further reduces its effectiveness. A nuclear reactor on the Moon can provide a stable, high-density power source capable of supporting demanding applications such as 3D printing of habitats, life support systems, communication networks, and scientific experiments. It also reduces reliance on expensive and logistically complex resupply missions from Earth. While concerns about safety and radiation risks exist, NASA and international space agencies adhere to strict safety protocols. The use of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) in past missions, such as the Voyager probes and Mars rovers, has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of nuclear power in space. The planned lunar reactor would be designed with containment and fail-safe measures to minimize risks.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
NASA to build nuclear reactor on Moon by 2030: What is behind the ambitious plan?
NASA has unveiled plans to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 as part of its Artemis program , which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and establish a sustainable presence. This ambitious move comes amid increasing international competition in space exploration, with countries like China and Russia developing similar nuclear-powered lunar projects. The reactor is designed to provide a continuous, reliable source of energy to power habitats, scientific instruments, rovers, and mining operations, especially during the Moon's lengthy nights and permanently shadowed craters where solar power is ineffective. The development of this nuclear power system marks a crucial step toward creating the infrastructure necessary for long-term lunar habitation and resource utilization. Unlike previous missions that relied heavily on solar panels and limited battery storage, a nuclear reactor could enable round-the-clock operations and pave the way for deeper space exploration, including future missions to Mars. Why NASA wants to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon NASA has been quietly developing small nuclear power systems in collaboration with the Department of Energy for years. The plan is to deploy a small modular nuclear reactor capable of producing at least 100 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power about 80 homes on Earth. This reactor will provide continuous energy without interruption, a critical advantage over solar power, which falters during the Moon's two-week-long nights. The Moon's south pole is a particular focus due to its abundant water ice deposits, essential for life support and fuel production. However, these craters are permanently shadowed, receiving little to no sunlight, rendering solar energy impractical. The nuclear reactor will enable operations in these challenging environments, supporting scientific research, mining activities, and habitat life-support systems. NASA's Acting Administrator Sean Duffy has emphasized the importance of this technology for Artemis' goals, calling it a 'game changer' for sustained lunar presence. The project is also seen as a testbed for technologies that could eventually support human missions to Mars, where solar energy is even less reliable. Geopolitical stakes and the race for lunar infrastructure The push for a nuclear reactor on the Moon comes at a time of heightened geopolitical competition in space. China announced plans in 2025 to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035, while Russia has also expressed ambitions in this domain. Establishing nuclear infrastructure is more than a technical achievement; it signals a country's ability to exert influence and control over critical lunar regions. Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, no nation can claim sovereignty over the Moon or other celestial bodies. However, building infrastructure such as nuclear reactors and bases effectively sets 'keep-out zones' around these installations. These zones grant operators significant control over access to nearby resources, like the valuable ice deposits at the lunar south pole, which could be used to produce rocket fuel and sustain life. Experts view NASA's project as a strategic move to maintain U.S. leadership in space exploration and to shape international norms for the responsible and peaceful use of nuclear power beyond Earth. Transparency, adherence to international guidelines, and cooperation will be essential to prevent conflict and ensure that space remains a domain for peaceful exploration. Why nuclear power is essential for the future of space exploration Solar panels have powered numerous space missions successfully, but their limitations are becoming increasingly apparent as humans prepare for long-term habitation beyond Earth. The Moon's long nights and shadowed craters present significant challenges for solar energy, while Mars' greater distance from the Sun further reduces its effectiveness. A nuclear reactor on the Moon can provide a stable, high-density power source capable of supporting demanding applications such as 3D printing of habitats, life support systems, communication networks, and scientific experiments. It also reduces reliance on expensive and logistically complex resupply missions from Earth. While concerns about safety and radiation risks exist, NASA and international space agencies adhere to strict safety protocols. The use of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) in past missions, such as the Voyager probes and Mars rovers, has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of nuclear power in space. The planned lunar reactor would be designed with containment and fail-safe measures to minimize risks.
CNBC
01-08-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Investing in Space: You're in or you're out
There's an air of 'been there, done that' about the Moon these days. Increasingly, the great minds of the space industry seem to be thinking bigger — and, since the start of the year, redder. If you had doubts the Moon's being eclipsed of late, they might be dismissed by the recent announcement that aerospace group Thales Alenia Space and the Italian Space Agency will develop the first human lunar habitat, in a key update for the NASA-led Artemis program. "Artemis' purpose is to ensure a sustainable human presence on the Moon as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars," the press release says. "Stepping stone" inevitably stands out. China and India have only landed spacecrafts on lunar soil since the late 2010s, with commercial companies achieving the feat since the start of last year. Yet Moon ventures have gradually come to be seen as a pitstop, rather than a standalone final destination — with attention pivoting to the bigger, juicier endgame of setting boots on Mars. Just check out U.S. President Donald Trump and SpaceX founder Elon Musk's effusive enthusiasm for colonizing the red planet: the rhetoric's shifted, even though lunar activity is set to dominate NASA's social calendar through the Artemis initiative over the next few years. After debuting with an uncrewed test assignment back in 2022, the next three missions under the Artemis program's umbrella target a manned flight around April next year, a South Pole human expedition in mid-2027 and delivering astronauts to live and work in the Gateway station — a NASA-led multi-agency venture — at some point in 2028. At the same time, the American space agency is still pressing ahead with its Commercial Lunar Payload Services program (CLPS, colloquially called 'Clips'), capitalizing on the lower costs of the private sector to deliver science and tech payloads to the Moon. NASA previously said it's earmarked a combined maximum of $2.6 billion for contracts between the program's premiere in 2024 through 2028. Just two missions took place last year, with four due in 2025, and a handful more scheduled over the next few years. The original space race kicked off in the 1950s as a largely two-nation exhibit of national pride, tech prowess and military firepower. It was the spiritual successor of the nuclear race between Russia and the U.S. during the Cold War — and began to wind down after Neil Armstrong's first step on the Moon in 1969. The chase to reach Mars first is drawing a slightly bigger crowd. China's put down establishing a research base on Mars on its wish list by 2038 and has previously said it plans to send a manned mission to the red planet five years prior. The European Space Agency is setting sights on robotic exploration and sample returns off Mars in the short term and two years ago said it plans to send Europeans to the planet by 2040. Russia, meanwhile, has been more guarded about disclosing its Mars plans. It has signaled intentions to work toward such missions alone after the 2022 suspension of the joint 1 billion euro ExoMars mission with the European Space Agency, in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The appeal of Mars is inevitable, once you shrug off any Hollywood heebie-jeebies about the hostility of the possible alien life. It's got more "Earth-like" environmental conditions than the Moon and decent potential for sustained hospitality (though some have made the case for one of Saturn's moons, Titan). But it'll be interesting to see whether national space agencies shift gears toward Mars — leaving Moon projects to increasingly become the province of private space companies that have been flocking to fill the gap. One of them has been making this past week's headlines: building on the successful, upright landing of its Blue Ghost rover back in March, Northrop Grumman-backed Firefly Aerospace has now set sights on financial light-off and seeks a $5.5 billion valuation for its upcoming initial public offering. It boasts a backlog of roughly $1.1 billion and a sixfold jump in revenue to $55.9 million at the end of March. But it competes in a landscape of increasingly more advanced and cheaply-made satellites, orbital congestion and high developmental costs — with titan rivals ranging from Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to SpaceX and national governments. Fitting to our theme, it's just been awarded its fifth CLPS contract worth $176.7 million to deliver five NASA-sponsored payloads to the Moon's South Pole in 2029. NASA and Roscosmos chiefs to hold talks — Sean Duffy, the interim head of NASA, and Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov will hold discussions this week, when the SpaceX Crew-11 departs for the International Space Station. It will be the first meeting at the agencies' bosses level since 2018. — Reuters The U.S. Space Command's prep work for satellite combat — The Economist investigates the U.S. Space Command's operations to make ready for satellite-to-satellite engagements. — The Economist China launches new cluster of Guowang satellites — Beijing has launched the sixth group of satellites for the Guowang megaconstellation, which it began to build in December 2024. — Space News How figuring out food for space can improve delivering it on Earth — Nature looks at food sourcing and storage problems rampant both in space and on Earth, including optimizing nutrition and figuring out alternative protein supplies. — Nature UK must protect its space interests, space commander says — Britain must 'control space' and position itself more assertively in the industry amid competition from other nations, Major General Paul Tedman said. — Orbital Today Russia seeks to develop reusable rocket within two years — Moscow is looking to develop a reusable rocket for more cost-effective launches within 18-24 months, after technical specifications were approved in June, according to national space agency Roscosmos. — The Moscow Times U.S. Space Force to launch 8th X-37B mission — The U.S. Space Force and the Air Force Raid Capabilities Office will carry out the eighth X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle mission in late August aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. These demos typically feature next-gen tech such as laser communications and quantum inertial sensors. — U.S. Space Force NASA says 20% of workforce to leave — Around 3,870 employees — or roughly 20% of the existing staff — are set to depart NASA, an agency spokesperson said, leaving a remaining workforce of around 14,000 people.— Reuters First Australia-made rocket crashes after take-off — The privately developed Australia-made Eris rocket failed to reach orbit amid engine failures during its test flight from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. — Ars Technica Firefly Aerospace seeks $5.5 billion valuation for upcoming IPO — Texas-based Firefly Aerospace has set a range of $35 to $39 per share for its upcoming listing, in which it plans to sell roughly 16.2 million stock. — CNBC U.S. selects five firms for anti-jam satellite comms — The U.S. Space Force picked Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Intelsat, Viasat and Astranis a combined $37 million to develop communication satellites that defend against enemy jamming. — Defense News Thales Alenia Space and ASI to develop first lunar outpost — Thales Alenia Space and the Italian Space Agency inked a contract to develop the first human habitat on the Moon, in a key step for NASA's Artemis program. — Thales Alenia Space Aug. 3 — Amazon's Blue Origin to take off on a crewed suborbital flight out of Texas Aug. 4 — SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches with Starlink satellites out of Florida Aug. 4 — China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation's Long March 12 to depart with SatNet communication satellites out of Wenchang Aug. 7 — SpaceX's Falcon 9 to launch with Starlink satellites out of Florida
Fashion Network
29-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Pinault family's Artemis tackles debt fears amid Kering slowdown and Gucci challenges
Artemis, the Pinault family holding company that controls Gucci -owner Kering, has dismissed liquidity concerns tied to a recent rise in debt, calling the spike 'temporary' and unrelated to lower dividends from Kering and other assets. The privately held investment group also clarified that its borrowing terms contain no financial covenants tied to Kering's share price, countering speculation among some investors. Chaired by outgoing Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault, Artemis holds a 43% stake in the French fashion and leather goods group and controls it through a majority of voting rights. The company has drawn growing investor scrutiny following reports of elevated debt levels across its portfolio, part of an effort to diversify holdings. Some analysts have raised concerns that Artemis' high debt burden may limit Kering's ability to turn around its struggling flagship label Gucci, particularly as rivals like LVMH are making aggressive brand investments. 'We have no liquidity problems,' Artemis said in a statement to Reuters. The company added that it has less than 500 million euros ($577 million) of debt maturing in the next two years, and more than one billion euros in available cash. Debts and dividends Artemis, which also owns 54% of Hollywood talent agency CAA and 29% of Puma, has historically kept a low profile with both the media and investors. However, annual accounts released alongside a recent bond issue provide a rare glimpse into its financials. At the end of 2024, Artemis' consolidated group debt stood at 26.7 billion euros—nearly double the amount from two years earlier. Kering, the largest asset consolidated in the group's books, held 14 billion euros in debt by the end of 2024, largely accrued through acquisitions led by Pinault to counter Gucci's slowdown. On a standalone basis—excluding operating companies like Kering—Artemis held 7.1 billion euros in debt as of May 31, the company revealed in a bond filing last month. In 2024, Artemis paid 227 million euros in net interest charges, up sharply from 60 million euros the year prior. The group attributed the debt increase to its 2023 acquisition of CAA, describing it as a 'temporary spike' linked to a strategy aimed at expanding beyond Europe and the luxury sector. Artemis' 2023 financial statements valued its majority stake in CAA at $3.7 billion, with the agency—whose clients include the Obamas and Scarlett Johansson—estimated at $7 billion in total. While debt servicing costs rise, dividend income is falling. Kering, which accounted for more than 80% of Artemis' financial income over the past two years, cut its 2024 dividend to 739 million euros from 1.7 billion euros the previous year, following multiple profit warnings. Barclays analysts forecast that Kering's dividend payout could fall further to 364 million euros in 2026 due to continued underperformance. Artemis holds roughly 43% of Kering shares. Kering declined to comment. Puma, which contributed 35 million euros to Artemis' dividend income over the past two years, also cut its 2025 dividend by about one-third and warned of a potential full-year loss. Covering needs 'It is incorrect to assume that we are dependent on Kering's dividend flows to finance the company. In fact, other companies in the Group pay regular and significant dividends which cover most of our debt servicing needs,' Artemis said, without elaborating. In addition to its holdings in Kering, Puma and CAA, Artemis owns auction house Christie's, several premium wineries, and a polar cruise operator—all unlisted businesses. Without Kering, Artemis posted a recurring operating profit of 48.9 million euros in 2024, reversing a 115-million-euro loss the year prior, according to its financial filings. Over the past two years, Kering's share price has dropped by nearly 60%, while Puma shares are down 66%. In a recent note focusing on Artemis' finances, BofA analysts said some investors expressed concern that its debt may contain covenants tied to Kering's stock price. Artemis dismissed those concerns, stating: 'The Group has no financial covenants linked to Kering's share price.' The company also said its June bond issue—worth 400 million euros and tied to Kering's share performance—was used to refinance an earlier bond linked to Puma's stock and was oversubscribed.
Fashion Network
29-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Pinault family's Artemis tackles debt fears amid Kering slowdown and Gucci challenges
Artemis, the Pinault family holding company that controls Gucci -owner Kering, has dismissed liquidity concerns tied to a recent rise in debt, calling the spike 'temporary' and unrelated to lower dividends from Kering and other assets. The privately held investment group also clarified that its borrowing terms contain no financial covenants tied to Kering's share price, countering speculation among some investors. Chaired by outgoing Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault, Artemis holds a 43% stake in the French fashion and leather goods group and controls it through a majority of voting rights. The company has drawn growing investor scrutiny following reports of elevated debt levels across its portfolio, part of an effort to diversify holdings. Some analysts have raised concerns that Artemis' high debt burden may limit Kering's ability to turn around its struggling flagship label Gucci, particularly as rivals like LVMH are making aggressive brand investments. 'We have no liquidity problems,' Artemis said in a statement to Reuters. The company added that it has less than 500 million euros ($577 million) of debt maturing in the next two years, and more than one billion euros in available cash. Debts and dividends Artemis, which also owns 54% of Hollywood talent agency CAA and 29% of Puma, has historically kept a low profile with both the media and investors. However, annual accounts released alongside a recent bond issue provide a rare glimpse into its financials. At the end of 2024, Artemis' consolidated group debt stood at 26.7 billion euros—nearly double the amount from two years earlier. Kering, the largest asset consolidated in the group's books, held 14 billion euros in debt by the end of 2024, largely accrued through acquisitions led by Pinault to counter Gucci's slowdown. On a standalone basis—excluding operating companies like Kering—Artemis held 7.1 billion euros in debt as of May 31, the company revealed in a bond filing last month. In 2024, Artemis paid 227 million euros in net interest charges, up sharply from 60 million euros the year prior. The group attributed the debt increase to its 2023 acquisition of CAA, describing it as a 'temporary spike' linked to a strategy aimed at expanding beyond Europe and the luxury sector. Artemis' 2023 financial statements valued its majority stake in CAA at $3.7 billion, with the agency—whose clients include the Obamas and Scarlett Johansson—estimated at $7 billion in total. While debt servicing costs rise, dividend income is falling. Kering, which accounted for more than 80% of Artemis' financial income over the past two years, cut its 2024 dividend to 739 million euros from 1.7 billion euros the previous year, following multiple profit warnings. Barclays analysts forecast that Kering's dividend payout could fall further to 364 million euros in 2026 due to continued underperformance. Artemis holds roughly 43% of Kering shares. Kering declined to comment. Puma, which contributed 35 million euros to Artemis' dividend income over the past two years, also cut its 2025 dividend by about one-third and warned of a potential full-year loss. Covering needs 'It is incorrect to assume that we are dependent on Kering's dividend flows to finance the company. In fact, other companies in the Group pay regular and significant dividends which cover most of our debt servicing needs,' Artemis said, without elaborating. In addition to its holdings in Kering, Puma and CAA, Artemis owns auction house Christie's, several premium wineries, and a polar cruise operator—all unlisted businesses. Without Kering, Artemis posted a recurring operating profit of 48.9 million euros in 2024, reversing a 115-million-euro loss the year prior, according to its financial filings. Over the past two years, Kering's share price has dropped by nearly 60%, while Puma shares are down 66%. In a recent note focusing on Artemis' finances, BofA analysts said some investors expressed concern that its debt may contain covenants tied to Kering's stock price. Artemis dismissed those concerns, stating: 'The Group has no financial covenants linked to Kering's share price.' The company also said its June bond issue—worth 400 million euros and tied to Kering's share performance—was used to refinance an earlier bond linked to Puma's stock and was oversubscribed.
