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Magdrive and Perpetual Atomics Sign MOU to Pave the Way for Nuclear-Plasma Propulsion in Space

18.07.2025

Magdrive MOU + Perpetual Atomics
Magdrive + Perpetual Atomics MoU

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.
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. 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.”

Mark Stokes, Co-Founder and CEO, Magdrive

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 organisation in the world has done to date.

“The UK has a golden opportunity to lead in nuclear-electric propulsion. 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”

Dr Adam Baker, Special Projects Director, Magdrive

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 formalises the relationship and sets the path to share technical progress, pursue joint opportunities, and target a near-term demonstration of integrated nuclear-electric propulsion.

“Perpetual Atomics is excited to be working with Magdrive to advance space nuclear propulsion. 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”

Professor Richard Ambrosi, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Perpetual Atomics

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.