Hyderabad-based energy start-up HYLENR Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with space-tech start-up TakeMe2Space to develop and test a computing module powered by a low-energy nuclear reactor (LENR). TakeMe2Space will provide the satellite platforms and subsystems required to validate HYLENR’s LENR thermoelectric generator under real operating conditions.
TakeMe2Space is exploring multiple energy technologies, including LENR, to assess efficient methods for heat extraction and potential reuse in its computer-focused satellites. HYLENR says the technology could also be applicable for deep space missions which traditionally use radioisotope based thermoelectric generators (RTGs).
“Validating our LENR technology in space is a crucial milestone, and TakeMe2Space’s platform and expertise provides the perfect opportunity to test our system in a real operational environment,” said HYLENR Founder & CEO Siddhartha Durairajan. “This could open new possibilities for long-duration missions and off-grid power solutions in space.”
Ronak Kumar Samantray, Founder of TakeMe2Space, added, “We are actively exploring alternative energy solutions for our in-space computer infrastructure and are excited to take this first step with HYLENR to test their technology in space. We are particularly interested in assessing how this approach can be leveraged for efficient heat management and energy reuse in our satellites.”
HYLENR’s technology has received a patent from the Government of India for its LENR Technology. According to HYLENR’s website the company’s LENR reactors “utilise low-energy nuclear reactions to generate excess heat”. It notes: “By applying a small amount of electricity to stimulate these reactions, LENR can produce significantly more heat than the input energy, making it a potentially game-changing technology for power generation…. It uses only a few milligrams of hydrogen to generate excess heat through fusion.” HYLENR says its devices “eliminate the need for radioactive materials like plutonium-238, drastically decreasing the risk profile for space missions”. They use no radioactive materials and generate no radioactive waste. The input of 100 watts of electricity produces 178 watts of equivalent heat.
TakeMe2Space will assess the LENR system’s ability to power onboard computing modules while ensuring optimised thermal management. Samantray said the objective is to identify innovative energy solutions tailored to the specific needs of in-space computing.
