Radioisotope power systems play
a critical role in peaceful space exploration.
These systems generate electricity by converting the heat released from the natural decay of isotopes into a reliable source of power for space exploration.
But for future missions, space exploration needs more power.
Canada's nuclear industry is up to the challenge.
Already leaders in producing lifesaving medical isotopes in its reactors, nuclear power plants generate far more than clean, reliable electricity for Canadian businesses and homes.
Why space exploration?
"Space flight is not just about going into space. It's about developing the capability to solve difficult problems, to invent new technology and to understand our place in the universe."
Colonel Chris Hadfield,
first Canadian Commander of the International Space Station
Who we are
The Canadian Centre for Space Isotopes is the leading voice for advancing Canada’s space isotope sector.
Hosted at the Nuclear Innovation Institute, the Centre provides strategic leadership, drives interdisciplinary policy research and guidance, and builds connections between experts around the peaceful exploration of space.
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"Our future depends on a fierce continuation of Canadian innovation and exploration in space."
Jeremy Hansen,
Lunar Astronaut and RCAF Colonel
The opportunity
$3.8B
to federal GDP from Canada's space industry.
28k jobs
in the space industry across Canada.
$164M
global Pu-238 market size projected by 2034.
What are space isotopes?
Since 1961, NASA has launched more than 25 missions powered by
plutonium-238, which is the only radioisotope to consistently meet the basic criteria for space missions—its half-life of 88 years and high-power density has proven to be a dependable and safe heat source.
space isotopes (n.) — radioactive isotopes, such as plutonium-238, selected for their steady heat output and used to generate electrical power in spacecraft, rovers and permanent habitats where long-lasting power is essential.
Perseverance
LAUNCHED 2020
Curiosity
LAUNCHED 2011
Nuclear power plants generate electricity—but that's not all they produce.
Tucked inside the spent fuel of a typical reactor is neptunium-237, a byproduct that forms naturally as part of everyday reactor operations.
That byproduct turns out to be the starting point for something remarkable.
Through a few carefully engineered steps, neptunium can be transformed into plutonium-238, the fuel that powers spacecraft in places too far from the sun for solar panels to work. Here's how a byproduct of generating power on Earth becomes the power source that lets us explore worlds beyond it.
How Pu-238 is made
1
Byproduct
Nuclear reactors naturally produce neptunium-237 in spent fuel.
2
Extraction
Np-237 is chemically separated from spent fuel and formed into target rods.
3
Irradiation
Targets are loaded into a nuclear reactor, absorbing neutrons.
4
Transformation
Neutron capture and decay turns neptunium into plutonium-238.
5
Refining
The Pu-238 is refined and then pressed into pellets for use in spacecrafts’ radioisotope power systems—essentially nuclear-powered batteries.
Stellina Williams
Vice President of Operations
& Head of Policy
GET IN TOUCH.
Progress is made through conversation, so reach out with any questions, comments or ideas about the Centre, space isotopes or Canada’s role in space exploration.