Perpetual Atomics
Perpetual Atomics is a UK-based space nuclear power company that builds Americium-241 radioisotope heater units, RTGs, Stirling generators, and deep-ocean RTGs for space agencies and commercial space exploration customers, with hardware sales beginning in 2027.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2024
- HeadquartersLeicester, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Perpetual Atomics does
Perpetual Atomics is a 2024 University of Leicester spin-out commercialising Americium-241 radioisotope power systems for space and terrestrial customers. Its core technology converts heat from the radioactive decay of Am-241, sourced from recycled nuclear fuel via an exclusive agreement with Orano's La Hague facility, into continuous thermal or electrical power. The product portfolio spans Radioisotope Heater Units (3 W and 200 W thermal), Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (10-50 W electrical using bismuth telluride and half-Heusler thermoelectrics with >50 year lifetimes), the European Large Heat Source feeding Radioisotope Stirling Generators (35-200 W electrical), Deep Ocean RTGs rated to 6,000 m, and 1-10 kW compact fission reactor concepts for higher-power deep-space use.
The company has not yet generated commercial product revenue; per its own channel commentary, solutions become available to government agencies and commercial space companies from 2027 onwards, with deployment targets including the ESA-NASA Rosalind Franklin Mars Mission (2028) and ESA's Argonaut lunar lander (2031). Revenue mechanics will combine hardware sales of RHUs, RTGs, and Stirling generators with mission development services, prototyping and testing work, and Americium-241 fuel supply and recycling. The go-to-market is direct enterprise sales to space agencies (ESA, UKSA, NASA-aligned programs) and commercial space exploration firms such as Blue Origin, supplemented by strategic manufacturing partnerships with QSA Global (global manufacturing) and QSA Europe (European assembly under a February 2026 Prague MOU). Reef Origin Group sits as cornerstone investor with Piers Slater as CEO, and additional grant funding flows through the UK Space Agency International Bilateral Fund.
Perpetual Atomics firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Perpetual Atomics
- Legal name
- Perpetual Atomics Ltd
- Website
- https://perpetualatomics.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2024
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Perpetual Atomics is a UK-based space nuclear power company that builds Americium-241 radioisotope heater units, RTGs, Stirling generators, and deep-ocean RTGs for space agencies and commercial space exploration customers, with hardware sales beginning in 2027.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Perpetual Atomics industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Nuclear Power Systems
- NAICS
- Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing (334517)
- SIC
- X-Ray Apparatus & Tubes & Related Irradiation Apparatus (3844)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial Isotope Production & Supply (Co-60, Ir-192, Cs-137, Am-241, etc.) (EUAKAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Fuel Cycle Support Services (Engineering, licensing support, conversion/enrichment contracting) (EUAKACAL)
Keywords
Where Perpetual Atomics is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Leicester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
Perpetual Atomics business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Radioisotope Power System Hardware Sales: Sale of radioisotope heater units, RTGs, and power generation systems for space missions, deep ocean applications, and remote terrestrial use. Products include RHUs (3W thermal), ELHS (200W thermal), RTGs (10W-50W electrical), Deep Ocean RTGs, and Stirling Generators (35W-200W electrical).
- Space Mission Development Services: Engineering and technical services for space mission development incorporating radioisotope and nuclear technologies. Includes prototyping, testing, and mission integration support built on extensive heritage in space missions and instrumentation.
- Americium-241 Fuel Sourcing and Processing: Supply and processing of Americium-241 sourced from spent nuclear fuel recycling for use in radioisotope power systems. Partnership with Orano for americium-241 from La Hague facility in France.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Request Data Sheet |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
Perpetual Atomics product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Perpetual Atomics manufactures and supplies Americium-241 based radioisotope power systems that convert radioactive decay heat into continuous electrical or thermal power for spacecraft, planetary surface missions, and deep-ocean applications. Its core product line spans Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) at 3 W and 200 W thermal, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) producing 10–50 W electrical with >50 year lifetimes, the European Large Heat Source (ELHS), Radioisotope Stirling Generators at 35–200 W electrical, Deep Ocean RTGs rated to 6,000 m, thermoelectric conversion modules, and compact 1–10 kW fission reactor concepts. The company complements these products with space mission development services, prototyping and testing, and americium-241 fuel re-use and recycling via its Orano La Hague supply partnership.
Product overview
Perpetual Atomics offers a portfolio of radioisotope and nuclear power products for space and terrestrial applications, built around americium-241 derived from spent nuclear fuel recycling. The core product family includes Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) in 3 W and 200 W thermal configurations, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) converting 200 W thermal to 10 W electrical (scalable to 50 W, >50 year lifetime), the European Large Heat Source (ELHS) as the heat source for Stirling generators, Radioisotope Stirling Generators delivering 35/100/200 W electrical, and Deep Ocean RTGs rated to 6,000 m depth. Supporting these are Thermoelectric Generators (bismuth telluride and Half Heusler), small-scale 1–10 kW reactor concepts for deep space, and services including space mission development, prototyping/testing, and americium-241 fuel re-use and recycling. The company operates a platform-plus-strategic-partnerships model, with manufacturing and assembly capabilities spanning the UK, Europe, and the US.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Radioisotope Heater Unit (RHU) Americium-241 powered thermal unit providing continuous heat output for spacecraft and planetary surface applications, available in 3 W thermal (compact, usable as single units or in clusters) and 200 W thermal configurations capable of powering RTGs and Stirling cycle generators.
- Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) A thermoelectric generator that converts Americium-241 heat into electrical power, producing 10 W of electrical power from 200 W of thermal input, scalable to 50 W with an operational lifetime exceeding 50 years. Designed for deep space missions and planetary surface power infrastructure.
- European Large Heat Source (ELHS) A large-format Americium-241 heat source used as the thermal input for Radioisotope Stirling Generators and other dynamic power conversion systems, enabling higher electrical output configurations.
- Deep Ocean Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator A terrestrial RTG variant based on the RHU and thermoelectric technology developed for space, capable of 1 W to a few W of continuous electric output for decades and deployable to 6,000 m ocean depth for underwater exploration and monitoring.
- Radioisotope Stirling Generator A dynamic power conversion system utilizing the European Large Heat Source (ELHS) as the heat source, providing 35 W, 100 W, and 200 W of electrical power in collaboration with commercial entities.
- Thermoelectric Generators Heat-to-electrical power conversion systems using bismuth telluride solutions for low temperature ranges and Half Heusler solutions for high temperature ranges, with adaptable energy harvesting applications for terrestrial use through strategic partnerships.
- Small Scale 1kW to 10kW Reactor Concepts Compact nuclear fission reactor concepts for deep space missions and planetary surface power infrastructure, designed to complement radioisotope power systems for higher power demands.
- Space Mission Development and Applications Services Engineering and technical services for space missions incorporating radioisotope and nuclear technologies, including prototyping, testing, mission integration support, and downstream terrestrial applications in national security, remote mining, and deep ocean exploration.
- Americium-241 Fuel Re-use and Recycling Re-use and recycling of Americium-241 from spent nuclear fuel for use in radioisotope power systems, supporting the production of advanced radioisotope fuels and leveraging a global network of partners, facilities, and space sector experts.
Quantifiable outcome
- 200W thermal power conversion to 10W electrical power with >50 year operational lifetime
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Perpetual Atomics
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Perpetual Atomics technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Perpetual Atomics partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- QSA Global, Inc.corePerpetual Atomics and QSA Global achieved world's first americium-powered radioisotope heater unit full scale core containing ceramic form americium-241 pellets in a metal containment structure. Partnership builds on two decades of experience in developing americium space nuclear power systems by the Leicester team.
- Blue OriginflagshipMOU signed to collaborate on space missions and space applications enabled by radioisotope power technologies. Builds on Blue Origin's position in commercial space services including lunar transport, space mobility, and in-space resource utilization. Perpetual Atomics brings over 20 years of expertise in space nuclear power systems.
- QSA EuropecoreMOU signed in Prague to collaborate on industrialized production of radioisotope power systems in Europe. Partnership combines QSA Europe's existing facilities and regulatory expertise with Perpetual Atomics' americium-based radioisotope power technology capabilities. Initially focused on RHUs with aim of establishing European assembly capacity at scale.
- OranocoreOrano and Perpetual Atomics signed agreement to develop supply of americium-241 from Orano's La Hague facility in France for use in space nuclear power systems. Partnership aims to expand use of recycled nuclear materials in space applications, supporting long-term and sustainable energy solutions for spacecraft and missions beyond Earth.
- University of LeicestercorePerpetual Atomics is a spinout from University of Leicester. Partnership includes collaboration on breakthrough americium ceramic fuel pelleting and ongoing work on ESA missions including Rosalind Franklin Mission RHU and ESA lunar lander Argonaut. Team has over 200 staff years of collective experience at the university.
- UK Space AgencycoreUK Space Agency funding 23 new projects under International Bilateral Fund (IBF) providing £6.5 million boost for UK companies. Perpetual Atomics team involved in projects funded by UKSA IBF relating to space nuclear power technology applications and advancement, including Dr Hannah Sargeant leading international partner interfacing.
- European Space Agency (ESA)coreTwo decades of sustained ESA funding for radioisotope power technology development. ESA programme funding has supported development of americium-241 space nuclear power systems. Team leading development and testing of RHUs for ESA-NASA Rosalind Franklin Mission and ESA lunar lander Argonaut.
- Digital ReefminorListed as partner on Perpetual Atomics partners page. Digital Reef operates in the Reef Origin ecosystem alongside real estate, digital, energy infrastructure, life science and technology sectors.
- Space Park LeicestercoreSpace Park Leicester is the £100M flagship space science, innovation, technology center where Perpetual Atomics is located. Richard Ambrosi serves as Executive Director of Space Park Leicester. Facilities include workshops, labs, clean rooms developed by Tony Crawford for space research.
- Reef OriginflagshipMOU signed February 2026 with Reef Origin, QSA Europe, QSA Global, and Perpetual Atomics to collaborate on building radioisotope power systems in Europe. Partnership expands and strengthens capacity and capability to produce radioisotope power systems in Europe.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Perpetual Atomics competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Orano: Orano is Perpetual Atomics' Americium-241 supply partner via La Hague, and also a leading nuclear fuel cycle operator. It is an enabling partner/peer in the radioisotope supply chain, providing the strategic feedstock on which Perpetual Atomics' products depend.
Broad incumbents
- General Atomics: General Atomics operates across nuclear energy (including TRIGA research reactors and advanced reactor development) and defense/aerospace systems. It is a broader incumbent peer in nuclear technology with potential overlap in space power concepts.
- Westinghouse Electric Company: Westinghouse is a global nuclear power plant vendor and fuel supplier with growing activity in advanced reactors. As a broad nuclear incumbent, it overlaps with Perpetual Atomics in the institutional nuclear and advanced-fuel ecosystem.
- Framatome: Framatome is a major nuclear fuel and reactor services company with activities spanning the nuclear fuel cycle. It is comparable as a broader nuclear-fuel-cycle incumbent that Perpetual Atomics partners with (Orano) and competes against for institutional nuclear supply contracts.
- Rolls-Royce: Rolls-Royce is a UK-based nuclear technology company developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and has historical involvement in UK space and nuclear programs. As a UK incumbent with both space propulsion heritage and nuclear technology capability, it is a comparable broader peer for Perpetual Atomics.
- BWX Technologies (BWXT): BWXT manufactures nuclear reactor cores, fuels, and components for US Navy submarines/aircraft carriers and is developing radioisotope and fission surface power for NASA. It is a broader incumbent in nuclear materials and space nuclear power that overlaps with Perpetual Atomics' mission space.
Emerging players
- USNC-Tech (Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation): USNC-Tech develops nuclear power and propulsion systems for space exploration, including fission surface power and high-temperature reactors. It is an emerging peer pursuing space nuclear power with a different technology approach (fission micro-reactors) but competing for the same NASA and commercial space customers.
- Nano Nuclear Energy: Nano Nuclear Energy is an emerging US-based developer of portable micro-nuclear reactors and radioisotope battery systems for terrestrial and space applications. It is an emerging peer pursuing adjacent nuclear power concepts in a similar early-stage phase.
Direct peers
- Teledyne Energy Systems: Teledyne Energy Systems manufactures RTGs and Stirling generators (e.g., for NASA missions) using legacy Pu-238 fuel. It is a direct peer as one of the few established manufacturers of radioisotope power systems for space, and competes with Perpetual Atomics in the same product category.
- Zeno Power: Zeno Power is a US-based startup developing Americium-241 based radioisotope power systems for space, defense, and maritime applications. It is the closest direct competitor to Perpetual Atomics, pursuing the same Am-241 fuel pathway for RTGs and RHUs and competing for the same NASA/DOD customer base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Perpetual Atomics social profiles
Digital presencePerpetual Atomics financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Perpetual Atomics leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
Perpetual Atomics funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Perpetual Atomics M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Perpetual Atomics
What does Perpetual Atomics do?
Perpetual Atomics manufactures and supplies Americium-241 based radioisotope power systems that convert radioactive decay heat into continuous electrical or thermal power for spacecraft, planetary surface missions, and deep-ocean applications. Its core product line spans Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) at 3 W and 200 W thermal, Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) producing 10–50 W electrical with >50 year lifetimes, the European Large Heat Source (ELHS), Radioisotope Stirling Generators at 35–200 W electrical, Deep Ocean RTGs rated to 6,000 m, thermoelectric conversion modules, and compact 1–10 kW fission reactor concepts. The company complements these products with space mission development services, prototyping and testing, and americium-241 fuel re-use and recycling via its Orano La Hague supply partnership.
Is Perpetual Atomics a public or private company?
Perpetual Atomics is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Perpetual Atomics founded?
Perpetual Atomics was founded in 2024. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Perpetual Atomics based?
Perpetual Atomics is headquartered in Leicester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Perpetual Atomics make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Radioisotope Power System Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are space Mission Development Services and americium-241 Fuel Sourcing and Processing.
Who are Perpetual Atomics's main competitors?
Orano is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are General Atomics, Westinghouse Electric Company, Framatome, Rolls-Royce and BWX Technologies (BWXT). Emerging players are USNC-Tech (Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation) and Nano Nuclear Energy. Direct peers are Teledyne Energy Systems and Zeno Power.
Does Perpetual Atomics have an API?
No public API is recorded for Perpetual Atomics.
What industry is Perpetual Atomics in?
Perpetual Atomics's product category is Space Nuclear Power Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAKAIAB, Industrial Isotope Production & Supply (Co-60, Ir-192, Cs-137, Am-241, etc.), with a secondary code of EUAKACAL, Fuel Cycle Support Services (Engineering, licensing support, conversion/enrichment contracting). Its NAICS code is 334517 and its SIC code is 3844.