March 20, 2025 – On the sidelines of the Farnborough International Space Show, Framatome and Perpetual Atomics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study the industrialisation of processing americium into sealed sources for radioisotope power systems (“space batteries”), including radioisotope heater units (RHUs) and radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs).

A radioisotope power system, or space battery, harnesses the decay of radioisotopes to generate heat, which can be used as a heat source or converted into electricity. Americium-241, with a half-life of approximately 430 years, is particularly well-suited for long-duration space missions. This collaboration aims to scale up the production and manufacturing of these critical power systems to support future space exploration efforts.
 
Dr. Kason Bala, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Defence and Space at Framatome Ltd, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with Perpetual Atomics to jointly pioneer the further development of nuclear power technology, pushing new frontiers in enabling deep space exploration. The partnership forges Perpetual Atomics’ cutting-edge technology in radioisotope nuclear power systems with Framatome’s global nuclear pedigree in production-scale industrialisation.”

Professor Richard Ambrosi, Chief Scientific Officer, founder, and Director of Perpetual Atomics added: “The UK and Europe host a large inventory of americium, and this combined with the technology maturity, know-how, and industrial capability to scale production and manufacturing establishes an important foundation for the UK and European Space Agency (ESA) programmes. Perpetual Atomics looks forward to working closely with Framatome to develop industrialisation solutions for radioisotope power systems at scale.”

This partnership with Perpetual Atomics brings together Framatome’s unmatched manufacturing expertise and regulatory compliance experience in the nuclear sector with Perpetual Atomics’ two decades of development in radioisotope power systems, led by the Space Nuclear Power group at the University of Leicester. Framatome Space and Framatome Ltd will be supporting the UK and ESA’s lunar and Mars mission programmes planned for the latter part of this decade.

About Framatome

Framatome is an international leader in nuclear energy recognized for its innovative, digital and value-added solutions for the global nuclear fleet. With worldwide expertise and a proven track record for reliability and performance, the company designs, services and installs components, fuel, and instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants. Its more than 20,000 employees work every day to help Framatome’s customers supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical low-carbon energy.

Visit us at : www.framatome.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Framatome is owned by the EDF Group (80.5%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI – 19.5%).

About Framatome Space 

At Framatome Space, we are committed to bridging the gap between nuclear and space, pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence to shape the future. Leveraging our extensive expertise in nuclear technology and our state-of-the-art facilities, our cutting-edge solutions and technological bricks advance the space industry. Our commitment to safety, performance, and reliability makes us a trusted partner in the new race to space.

Source ; Framatome

About Perpetual Atomics 

A University of Leicester spinout, Perpetual Atomics brings over 20 years of expertise in space nuclear power systems and exploration, delivering innovative, reliable solutions for powering space missions in extreme environments, including enabling survival in deep space’s harsh conditions. The company is built on over six decades of space sector expertise and heritage at the University of Leicester and almost two decades of radioisotope and space nuclear power technology development through a European Space Agency-funded technology programme. Funded by Reef Origin, Reef Global Impact Fund, our impact investment division, Perpetual Atomics aims to scale the global commercialisation of sustainable and resilient energy solutions for both space and terrestrial applications powered by Americium-241. The company is focused on establishing a global nuclear power capability spanning the entire value chain, underpinned by advanced technology solutions and systems. Our partnership with Space Park Leicester aims to revolutionise power generation in space through nuclear technology.

www.perpetualatomics.com/