UK Atomic Energy Authority to support Pulsar Fusion with Neutron shielding modelling for Sunbird Fusion Propulsion Program

Pulsar Fusion, the global space propulsion company developing advanced propulsion systems for the next era of deep-space exploration, has announced that the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is supporting Pulsar through a specialist program of neutron shielding and activation modelling for its Sunbird fusion propulsion initiative.

The work will provide high-level modelling and analysis to inform shielding approaches and materials considerations for future fusion-powered spacecraft architectures, helping to advance the engineering foundations required for sustained operation in deep-space environments.

UKAEA’s involvement brings world-leading expertise in fusion-adjacent materials modelling and radiation analysis, supporting Pulsar’s mission to develop breakthrough propulsion technologies that could dramatically reduce journey times across the solar system.

“This is an important step forward for Sunbird,” said Richard Dinan, Founder and CEO of Pulsar Fusion. “UKAEA’s support strengthens the technical groundwork behind our fusion propulsion roadmap and reflects the growing momentum behind the UK’s role in building the future fusion economy, not only on Earth, but in space.”

Sunbird is Pulsar Fusion’s long-term program to develop high-performance fusion propulsion concepts designed to enable faster, more efficient transport for spacecraft beyond Earth’s orbit. The modelling work forms part of Pulsar’s broader effort to combine British scientific capability, industrial innovation, and allied partnerships to deliver the next generation of propulsion systems for international missions.

In parallel, Pulsar Fusion recently secured an 18-month contract with the European Space Agency to advance its Hall-effect thruster technology, further validating the company’s growing capabilities in the next generation of space propulsion.

Pulsar Fusion has emerging operations in the United States and is opening new facilities in Austin, Texas.