Leicester Spinout Perpetual Atomics to Pioneer Space Nuclear Power Solutions

Written by Copernical Team Thursday, 10 October 2024 20:28

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Write a comment

London, UK (SPX) Oct 10, 2024

A new start-up, Perpetual Atomics, is poised to revolutionize space missions by leveraging nuclear technology to provide reliable power in the harsh conditions of deep space. The company, launched from the University of Leicester's Space Park Leicester, aims to commercialize over 20 years of research in space nuclear power, transforming the way space exploration is powered. Perpetual Atomi

Leicester Spinout Perpetual Atomics to Pioneer Space Nuclear Power Solutions
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Oct 10, 2024

A new start-up, Perpetual Atomics, is poised to revolutionize space missions by leveraging nuclear technology to provide reliable power in the harsh conditions of deep space. The company, launched from the University of Leicester's Space Park Leicester, aims to commercialize over 20 years of research in space nuclear power, transforming the way space exploration is powered.

Perpetual Atomics focuses on space nuclear power systems and is expected to provide innovative solutions for long-term, sustainable power for spacecraft. This new venture will be introduced at the International Astronautical Congress 2024 on October 15, where it will be showcased at the UK Space Agency stand.

Professor Richard Ambrosi, Executive Director of Space Park Leicester, expressed excitement about the company's potential: "Since Space Park Leicester last attended the International Astronautical Congress we've seen some exciting developments in space nuclear power, and we are delighted to be able to share more on those at the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Milan this October. We are entering a new chapter in our journey, one that will see us harness the potential of nuclear technology to power deep space exploration and to pioneer new frontiers and are ready to bring others with us on that journey. The use of nuclear power in space is not just a concept for the future-it's happening now."

The company's technology is based on radioisotope power systems, including Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) and Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), which use americium fuel. These systems can provide consistent power to spacecraft for decades, enabling extended missions beyond Earth's orbit. The company also aims to establish itself as a leader in this area, building on funding from the European Space Agency's ENDURE program and the UK Space Agency.

Perpetual Atomics is based at Space Park Leicester, a Pounds 100 million science and innovation park, where a space nuclear power community is being cultivated. The company plans to collaborate with global partners to expand the use of radioisotope power technologies in space.

Piers Slater, Executive Chairman of Reef Global and CEO of Perpetual Atomics, commented on the venture's importance: "We are very excited that our first investment in the space sector is in Perpetual Atomics a business aligned with Reef Global's goal to deliver a sustainable earth and space economy. We thank both University of Leicester and the co-founders for giving us the opportunity to invest in and support the commercialisation and scale up of Perpetual Atomics an innovative and exciting business led by a talented team with the shared ambitions of building a pioneering global space company from the UK."

Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, emphasized the company's roots: "Perpetual Atomics is an exemplar of the type of business that Space Park Leicester was established to create: originating from world-leading research that has been nurtured at the University of Leicester for many years, and enabled by the dedicated, highly skilled and innovative community at our flagship Space Park Leicester."

The UK Space Agency also voiced its support for the launch. Julie Black, Director of Missions and Capabilities, said: "The cutting-edge technology that the team at Perpetual Atomics are developing could not only harness nuclear power to sustain exploration of space for longer periods of time but allow us to venture further into space than ever before, enabling more science and bringing more benefits back to Earth."

The launch of Perpetual Atomics is seen as a significant step for the UK space industry, furthering Leicester's reputation as a hub for space innovation.