National Nuclear Laboratory moves to Leicester

The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) has become the latest resident of Space Park Leicester.

The NNL pioneers the development of nuclear power sources for space exploration, working with academics and industry partners to develop spacecraft systems for the European Space Agency.

It has created a process to extract Americium 241 from plutonium and repurpose it as fuel for systems developed by the University of Leicester, with support from the UK Space Agency, for use  in future space missions.

NNL account director Professor Tim Tinsley said: “With the opening of an office at Space Park Leicester, we are committed to deepening our collaboration with the University of Leicester.

“This builds on 10 years of successful joint projects, delivering on our shared ambition for deployable space nuclear power.”

Professor Richard Ambrosi, executive director of Space Park Leicester, said: “The synergies between the UK’s world class space and nuclear sectors are exemplified by the long-standing collaboration between the National Nuclear Laboratory and the University of Leicester in the development of space nuclear power systems and in particular radioisotope power technologies.”

He added: “We are proud to welcome the National Nuclear Laboratory to Space Park Leicester as part of our expanding collaboration and we look forward to exploring new opportunities with NNL.”