What's Happening?
Zeno Power has entered into an agreement with Orano, a nuclear fuel cycle manager, to acquire Americium-241 from Orano's recycling site in France. This acquisition is aimed at repurposing nuclear waste to power long-duration and deep-space missions. Americium-241 is chosen due to its higher power density and long half-life of approximately 430 years, making it suitable for space missions where sunlight is scarce. The deal is crucial for scaling up operations to meet the increasing demand for power in the space domain, allowing Zeno Power to conduct more than one mission annually.
Why It's Important?
The agreement marks a significant step in addressing the power needs for space missions, particularly those that require long-term energy solutions independent of sunlight. Americium-241 offers a viable alternative to the limited supply of plutonium-238, which is traditionally used in nuclear batteries for space missions. This development could enhance the capabilities of U.S. space missions, supporting both government and commercial endeavors. The ability to scale up the use of Americium-241 could lead to more frequent and sustainable space exploration, benefiting scientific research and technological advancements.
What's Next?
Zeno Power plans to scale up its operations by acquiring multiple kilograms of Americium-241 annually, enabling more frequent space missions. The company aims to address the burgeoning demand for power in the space domain, potentially leading to increased collaboration with NASA and other space agencies. The focus will be on developing nuclear batteries that can support lunar missions and other deep-space explorations, ensuring that astronauts can work and live near power sources using Americium-241.
