Framatome to manufacture sealed fuel sources for ESA lunar and deep space power systems

Framatome to manufacture sealed fuel sources for ESA lunar and deep space power systems
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Nov 06, 2025

Framatome entered into a contract to collaborate with the European Space Agency, Perpetual Atomics, and Amentum to industrialize sealed fuel sources for radioisotope power systems (RPS) supporting the ENDURE program. The initiative aims to establish European capability to produce radioisotope-based sealed fuel sources with a focus on lunar and deep space exploration.

Radioisotope power systems provide continuous heating and power for operations in extreme deep space and lunar environments. ENDURE will produce and enable the launch of European-made RPS units utilizing Americium 241, a fuel sourced via recycling nuclear reactor materials, notable for its half-life of 432 years, enhancing suitability for extended space missions.

Framatome will work alongside Perpetual Atomics, the lead product designer, and Amentum, which brings international space expertise and UK regulatory proficiency. Framatome contributes more than six decades of experience in large-scale industrial operations across energy, space, defense, and healthcare sectors.

Paul K Richards, Framatome Ltd. Defence and Space Director said, "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. 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 's programmes."

Gregoire 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 for Perpetual Atomics said, "This is an important step outlining the ambition to build and launch radioisotope power technologies from Europe. 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: "Amentum's combination of deep technical knowledge and extensive programme and project management expertise will help to steer this important venture. 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. We are looking forward to assisting the European Space Agency to create an industrial framework to deliver world-leading sealed fuel sources to power the future of space exploration."