Framatome has signed a contract formalising collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and partners – Perpetual Atomics and Amentum – for the industrialisation of sealed fuel sources to be used as radioisotope power systems (RPS) for space exploration.
This contract supports the ENDURE (European Devices Using Radioisotope Energy) programme, a key feature of which is to provide Europe with a sovereign industrial production capability of radioisotope-based sealed fuel for RPS.
ENDURE aims to focus on independent capability in manufacturing and launching radioisotope power systems from Europe using americium 241 (Am-241) as the fuel source. Am-41 is a decay product from recycling of nuclear reactor fuels with a half-life of 432 years, enabling deeper space exploration.
Framatome will work with key partners Perpetual Atomics, as the lead product designer, and Amentum, with its global space expertise and UK regulatory and licencing experience.
“Framatome’s contract with the European Space Agency strengthens international collaborations, provides the opportunity to develop capability, in terms of skills and the supply chain, in the UK and internationally on complex asset development,” said Paul K Richards, Framatome Defence and Space Director. “We’re extremely privileged and proud to be part of creating this legacy that will transform the frontier of science and technology into industrial reality supporting ESA’s programmes.”
Grégoire Lambert, Vice President for Framatome Space said, “Two years ago, Framatome launched Framatome Space to bring its expertise and industrial capacities to power the future of space exploration. The signature of this contract demonstrates the need for a key historical player. Our teams in the UK are committed to supporting the European Space Agency, together with our UK partners.”
Professor Richard Ambrosi, Chief Scientific Officer, founder & Director of Perpetual Atomics, said, “Considering the significant americium inventory in the UK and in Europe, and the unparalleled maturity of our radioisotope systems, this partnership builds on the significant world-leading expertise that we have concentrated within Perpetual Atomics.”
Loren Jones, Amentum Senior Vice President, said: “Drawing on our experience of working on major nuclear sites, together with our significant role in the space industry, we will ensure that the RPS industrialisation scheme is fully compliant with all safety case and nuclear regulatory requirements.”
