Pulsar Fusion Expands to Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas – UK-based nuclear propulsion startup Pulsar Fusion has announced its expansion into Austin, Texas, marking a significant milestone in its mission to enhance space propulsion technology using nuclear fusion. This new office will facilitate increased engagement with U.S. clients and investors, a strategic move indicating the company’s commitment to international collaboration and innovation in the aerospace sector.

The expansion is a culmination of over a decade spent researching and developing Pulsar’s cutting-edge nuclear propulsion technology. The firm’s flagship spacecraft, known as Sunbird, is equipped with a dual direct fusion drive and eight Hall-effect thrusters, designed to achieve thrust speeds up to 329,000 mph. This remarkable speed allows for precision maneuverability, making it a suitable option for future missions beyond Earth.

Pulsar aims to conduct real-world space tests of its nuclear fusion propulsion technology by the year 2027. The company is expected to begin testing components of the Sunbird’s power system in orbit as early as this year, ramping up ground-based tests of the fusion technology in the meantime. These developments signify a proactive approach to advancing propulsion systems that can support extensive space exploration initiatives.

An important aspect of Pulsar’s strategy involves the integration of artificial intelligence, which has enabled the creation of smaller, smarter, and more accurate fusion reactors. Pulsar’s technology has been positioned as more suitable for space applications compared to terrestrial energy solutions, highlighting a focused intent to redefine propulsion within the aerospace domain.

To further enhance its propulsion capabilities, Pulsar has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Thales Alenia Space concerning its 5kW MOONRANGER Hall-effect thrusters, which are currently undergoing live test-firing. This collaboration underscores Pulsar’s commitment to refining its technology and meeting the growing demands of the space industry.

In addition to its operations in Texas, Pulsar is expanding its facilities in Bletchley, England, where it is constructing the largest space-grade vacuum chambers in the UK. These facilities are designed for comprehensive testing of advanced propulsion technologies, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the nuclear propulsion sector.

A recently released concept video by Pulsar illustrates a speculative mission to Saturn’s moon Titan. This vision showcases how Pulsar’s fusion systems could significantly cut travel times for spacecraft traveling within the solar system, positioning the technology as critical for ambitious future expeditions. The overarching goal of Pulsar Fusion is to develop propulsion systems that not only support exploration efforts in space but also offer solutions for clean energy challenges on Earth.

Pulsar Fusion, originally established in 2013 under the name Applied Fusion Systems, has successfully secured multiple funding rounds from the UK Space Agency to support its research into advanced propulsion technologies. With this new office in Austin, the company is poised to strengthen its influence in the U.S. market while driving forward its pioneering developments in nuclear fusion propulsion.