New center bids to supercharge nuclear isotope production for deep-space missions

Canada is moving to expand its role in supplying nuclear isotopes that could power spacecraft on long-duration missions.

The Nuclear Innovation Institute launched the Canadian Centre for Space Isotopes this week in Toronto. The organization will focus on research, policy, and partnerships across the nuclear and space industries.

Radioisotope power systems convert heat from radioactive decay into electricity. They provide steady power without relying on sunlight, making them useful for missions traveling far from the Sun.

Powering missions beyond Mars

Solar panels become less effective as spacecraft move farther from the Sun. Radioisotope systems can continue generating power in regions where solar energy becomes difficult to collect.

NASA has used the technology for decades on deep-space spacecraft and planetary rovers. These systems can also provide heat for hardware operating in extremely cold environments.

Demand could grow as space agencies and commercial companies pursue longer missions. The supply of suitable isotopes, however, remains a major challenge for future spacecraft. Canada sees an opportunity in that gap. The country already has extensive experience producing medical isotopes and operating nuclear facilities.

New isotope supply chain

The new center aims to connect that nuclear expertise with the specialized requirements of spaceflight. Its work will run through 2030 and support Canada’s broader effort to increase isotope production.

Canada’s space sector generated $3.8 billion in federal GDP during 2024, according to the Canadian Space Agency. The industry has grown 14 percent since 2019 and supports more than 28,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Former Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield supported the initiative during his keynote address in Toronto. He pointed to the growing need for dependable power as space activity expands.

Hadfield said Canada’s engineering capabilities and raw materials could help the country compete in the emerging market.

Jessica Linthorne, president and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute, said the center will bring together nuclear specialists, space companies and researchers.

The group will produce policy research and identify opportunities for Canadian industry. It will also pursue partnerships across the nuclear, aerospace and research sectors.

Spacebound nuclear power

The center plans to release a report in early 2027 examining how Canada could expand its position in space isotope production. Government officials have also linked the initiative to Ontario’s plan to double isotope production by 2030. Ontario already has an established nuclear workforce and major medical isotope capabilities.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the nuclear sector could help meet demand for space technologies while creating domestic economic opportunities. Ontario Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said existing isotope expertise could support missions extending well beyond Mars.

NII board chair James Scongack described the project as a meeting point between Canada’s space and nuclear capabilities. The engineering challenge extends beyond producing radioactive material. A future supply chain must provide consistent isotope production while meeting the specialized requirements of spacecraft power systems.

Reliable nuclear power could become increasingly valuable as exploration pushes deeper into the solar system. For spacecraft operating far from Earth, dependable energy can determine how long instruments survive and how much science a mission can deliver.