Canada funds space projects using nuclear byproducts for lunar power and heat
The Canadian Space Agency is providing $11.1 million for 16 projects, including two using radioisotopes for spacecraft heat and power.
The Canadian Space Agency has announced $11.1 million in funding for 16 space technology projects, including two that will use nuclear byproducts to power and heat spacecraft on the moon.
The funding comes through the agency's Space Technology Development Program, which supports early-stage technologies with commercial potential by covering up to 75 percent of project costs.
"Canada's future in space depends on our ability to develop and sustain world-class capabilities," said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
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"By supporting innovation today, we are helping reinforce Canada's economic prosperity, security, sovereignty, and leadership in space for years to come."
Canadensys Aerospace Corporation received $499,997 to develop a tritium-fueled radioisotope heating unit designed to keep spacecraft batteries and electronics warm during the extreme cold of extended lunar nights.
Canada is a key tritium producer, as the radioisotope is a byproduct of CANDU reactors.
"We are excited to leverage Canada's experience and supply of tritium to bring to market a key enabling system for lunar and planetary missions, where keeping the central avionic elements warm is often a critical challenge," said Canadensys CEO Christian Sallaberger.
"We are thrilled to be working with the experts at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on this."
The project was funded under the STDP's "next-wave technologies" category, which offers up to $500,000 for R&D projects expected to last up to three years and produce economic benefits in five to 10 years.
The Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation received $350,000 to develop a radioisotope power system for spacecraft and lunar rovers in harsh environments.
"From microreactors here on Earth to radioisotope power systems in deep space, we are building a full family of power solutions capable of keeping Canada's missions running wherever they need to go," said Daniel Sax, CEO of CSMC.
The company will advance the system's conceptual design and evaluate size, weight, and power requirements with the CSA's proposed lunar utility vehicle in mind.
CSMC was funded under the STDP's "small businesses" category, which offers up to $350,000 for businesses with a maximum of 50 employees.
Separately, Canada's Nuclear Innovation Institute launched the Canadian Centre for Space Isotopes last month.
The institute said the centre will drive research, policy development and industry collaboration through 2030, aligning with the country's commitment to double isotope production.
The centre will convene specialists from the nuclear sector, space industry, and broader research community to "advance policy-focused research and help cultivate the partnerships," according to NII president and CEO Jessica Linthorne.
"The exploration and utilization of space are rapidly growing, and reliable, long-term power sources are key for many missions," said former International Space Station commander Chris Hadfield at the launch.
"I am excited and proud that Canada is using our raw materials and skilled engineering know-how to lead the world."
The centre's expert panel includes a professor at Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, the CEO of the Pearson Centre think tank, a former member of provincial parliament, and eight representatives from five companies, including BWX Technologies, Bruce Power, and Kinectrics.
"Canada's leadership in isotope innovation is opening new opportunities in the space sector. The launch of the Canadian Centre for Space Isotopes reflects the strength of Canada's space industry and the expertise across our research community," said Joly.
Your Space Hamilton reported in October that space startups were lobbying Ottawa for funding as the launch industry grows.
With files from American Nuclear Society