Project description
Making power generation in space more efficient and affordable
Radioisotope power systems (RPS) convert heat generated by the natural decay of plutonium-238 – a radioactive isotope – into electrical power. They are a key enabling technology for deep space exploration, where the sun cannot deliver sufficient power to spacecraft. The goal of the EU-funded PULSAR project is to overcome technological shortcomings to the development of RPS and eliminate Europe’s dependency on plutonium-238 from external suppliers. PULSAR will lay the foundations for end-to-end production of plutonium-238 and use a Stirling engine to design a dynamic RPS that will be far more efficient than current systems.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
- EURATOM.1.1 - Improve and support nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management and decommissioning, including the safe and secure use of nuclear power and of non-power applications of ionizing radiation Main Programme
- EURATOM.1.1.4 - Nuclear science and ionizing radiation applications, radiation protection, emergency preparedness
- EURATOM.1.1.1 - Nuclear safety
Funding Scheme
EURATOM-AG - EURATOM Action Grant Budget-Based
Coordinator
1000 Bruxelles
Belgium
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Participants (9)
75015 Paris 15
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1160 Bruxelles
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08034 Barcelona
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31402 Toulouse Cedex
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25000 Besancon
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
25000 Besancon
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75008 Paris
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
1049 Brussels
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78130 Les Mureaux
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