Magdrive, the developers of high-performance plasma propulsion for next-gen spacecraft, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Perpetual Atomics, the company behind pioneering space nuclear power systems.
Image Credit: Magdrive
Together, the two UK companies are aiming to do what many have studied, but no one has yet delivered: integrating space-grade radioisotope power systems with plasma propulsion to unlock a step-change in performance for long-duration space missions.
“For decades, nuclear propulsion has been the next big thing. But it’s stayed in the realm of papers and proposals,” said Mark Stokes, Co-Founder and CEO of Magdrive. “We believe combining two UK technologies, our compact high-thrust propulsion system and Perpetual Atomic’s space radioisotope power units, can finally make it fly. Literally.”
The companies aim to break new ground on multiple fronts: deep space exploration, defence and security applications, and Earth-Moon infrastructure. The MoU commits both sides to share data and explore technology integration, with a view to jointly developing and flight demonstrating viable nuclear space propulsion, something no other organization in the world has done to date.
The timing of the MoU follows the successful launch of Going Rogue, Magdrive’s first in-orbit propulsion test, and signals a strategic step for both companies. After nearly a year of behind-the-scenes collaboration, this agreement formalizes the relationship and sets the path to share technical progress, pursue joint opportunities, and target a near-term demonstration of integrated nuclear-electric propulsion.
Both companies bring proven low risk technologies to the partnership. Perpetual Atomics has been developing heat and power units for ESA science missions, scheduled for launch this decade. Magdrive, meanwhile, recently launched two plasma propulsion units for in-orbit testing aboard the recent Transporter-14 mission and has more in the pipeline.
“The UK has a golden opportunity to lead in nuclear-electric propulsion,” said Dr Adam Baker, Special Projects Director at Magdrive. “This isn’t just about going further into deep space. It’s about staying there. It means longer missions in cislunar space, persistent defence capabilities, and commercial operations that don’t have to rely on sunlight to function. The core technologies already exist, they’re proven, low-risk, and ready to work together to create a truly game changing capability”
“Perpetual Atomics is excited to be working with Magdrive to advance space nuclear propulsion,” said Professor Richard Ambrosi, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Perpetual Atomics. “Combining our compact, efficient and scalable americium-241 nuclear power units with Magdrive’s propulsion tech, we can enable long-endurance, high-agility missions that would be impossible using solar power alone. It opens a dramatically wider market for radioisotope power funded to date through a successful partnership between the UK Space Agency and ESA”