UK university launches spin-off for space nuclear technology
The University of Leicester has announced the launch of a new spin-out company, Perpetual Atomics, aimed at commercialising its research into the application of nuclear technology in space.
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Perpetual Atomics is a space nuclear power systems, space science and exploration business that will commercialise the know-how and expertise in space nuclear power developed over more than 20 years at the University of Leicester.
"The technology at the heart of the new venture has the potential to enable longer, more ambitious missions beyond Earth's orbit in some of the harshest environments of deep space," the university said. "Perpetual Atomics aims to establish a new global market leader in mature radioisotope power solutions based on research from the University of Leicester."
Perpetual Atomics' mission builds on two decades work in developing radioisotope power systems by the Space Nuclear Power group at the University of Leicester. These power systems use the heat generated from the decay of radioisotopes, and can be used to provide heat to spacecraft, or converted to electricity to power key subsystems. Their radioisotope heater units (RHUs) and radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) use americium fuel, which can provide stable power outputs to spacecraft for many decades.
Based at Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester's GBP100 million (USD131 million) science and innovation park, where a space nuclear power community is being developed, the team are the main developer of RTGs in Europe. The technology development has been funded by the European Space Agency's European Devices Using Radioisotope Energy (ENDURE) programme, as well as the UK Space Agency.
"The Perpetual Atomics team is looking forward to working with a number of national and international partners to expand the use of radioisotope power technologies in space," the University of Leicester said.
The investment in Perpetual Atomics has been made by Reef Global, the impact investment division within Reef Origin. Piers Slater, Reef Global Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Perpetual Atomics said: "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 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," said Space Park Leicester Executive Director Richard Ambrosi. "The use of nuclear power in space is not just a concept for the future - it's happening now."
Julie Black, Director of Missions and Capabilities at the UK Space Agency, added: "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."
