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The Journey of PULSAR, PU-238-coupLed dynamic power system for SpAce exploRation and beyond

  • Alessia Simonini
  • , Nicolas Delannay
  • , Beatriz Acevedo
  • , Jérémie Manaud
  • , Michel L. Schlegel
  • , François Lanzetta
  • , Dominique Vergnet
  • , Ana Fort
  • , Frederic Lattwein
  • , Brieuc Spindler

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    PULSAR (PU-238-coupLed dynamic power system for SpAce exploRation and beyond) is a research and innovation project funded by the European Commission between 2022 and 2024. The aim of this project was to establish building blocks for the development of Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) fueled by Pu-238 with European technologies and standards. Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) is a key enabling technology for space exploration of locations hidden from the sun for prolongated periods, or of deep space, where the sun cannot deliver sufficient power to spacecrafts. This project has brought together leading stakeholders in the field of space and nuclear. PULSAR consortium includes nine partners: Tractebel (coordinator), SCK CEN, CEA, JRC, Airbus DS, ArianeGroup, UBFC-UFC, INCOTEC and ARTTIC. The paper provides a presentation of the project achievements and how the partners consortium was organized along the project. Future prospect and expected challenges are presented based on the hypotheses assumed in PULSAR.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space, NETS 2025
    PublisherAmerican Nuclear Society
    Pages194-202
    Number of pages9
    ISBN (Electronic)9780894482236
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2025
    Event2025 Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space, NETS 2025 - Huntsville
    Duration: 4 May 20258 May 2025

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space, NETS 2025

    Conference

    Conference2025 Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space, NETS 2025
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityHuntsville
    Period2025-05-042025-05-08

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
    • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
    • Aerospace Engineering

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