A UK rocket company responsible for several types of advanced space engines including the largest and most powerful electric spacecraft engine in Europe has been entrusted with funding from the UKSA to develop nuclear fission-based power systems that could allow us to escape the solar system in our lifetime.

 Pulsar Fusion, based in Bletchley, Bucks, has the ultimate ambition of developing hyper-speed rocket technology by harnessing the power of nuclear fusion.

 The awarding of funds by the UKSA is both a recognition of Pulsar Fusion’s space rocket engine development to date and another step on the road towards hyper-speed fusion-powered rocket technology.

PULSAR FUSION FUNDED BY THE UK SPACE AGENCY TO CONSTRUCT A NUCLEAR BASED SPACE ENGINE

LONDON- DECEMBER 2022:  Pulsar Fusion, a UK rocket company that has seen its advanced space engines tested in the UK and Switzerland earlier this year, has been awarded funding from the UK Space Agency to develop ‘Integrated nuclear fission-based power systems for electric propulsion’ The project will be supported by Southampton and Cambridge Universities and Nuclear AMRC.

Pulsar Fusion, based in Bletchley, Bucks., has its sights set on ultimately harnessing Nuclear Fusion for hyper – speed rocket technology. Pulsar however currently manufactures several types of advanced space rocket engines that are in use today. Amongst its creations is the largest and most powerful electric spacecraft engine in Europe which has been independently tested by the University of Southampton under another government funded scheme in 2021. 

 Pulsar believes its pioneering green rocket technologies could one day be the key to propelling spacecraft beyond the solar system.

 Dr James Lambert – Head of Operations commented: “Pulsar has built and tested the most powerful electric propulsion engines in Europe. Combining this part of our propulsion portfolio with nuclear fission reactor technology is perfectly suited to the company’s skillsets and I am delighted that this has been recognized by the UKSA. The project will help us to build relationships and gather important data that will contribute towards our longer-term ambitions for nuclear fusion propulsion. 

 The electric propulsion team describe the benefits of the technology here