Pulsar Fusion is a UK-based space propulsion company focused on developing clean, intelligent propulsion systems, including fusion-based technologies. They aim to create both rocket and electric propulsion systems, with a long-term vision of enabling interstellar travel through nuclear fusion. Their primary product under development is the Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle, a nuclear fusion rocket designed to drastically reduce interplanetary travel times. Pulsar Fusion has partnered with organizations like the University of Michigan and Princeton Satellite Systems, and has received funding from the UK Space Agency.
All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.
Pulsar Fusion has not confirmed completion of the planned 2025 static fire test, which makes a 2027 in-orbit demonstration unlikely.
Pulsar Fusion positions Sunbird as capable of cutting mission times to Mars by half and enabling missions to Pluto in approximately four years.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority will support Pulsar Fusion with the development of neutron shielding and activation modelling for the Sunbird programme.
Pulsar Fusion is a UK-based in-orbit propulsion systems provider headquartered in Bletchley.
Pulsar Fusion expected to complete a static fire test of Sunbird in 2025 and to conduct a first in-orbit demonstration as early as 2027.
Sunbird will be powered by Pulsar Fusion’s Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) nuclear fusion propulsion system.
Pulsar Fusion unveiled the Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle in March 2025.
The UKAEA’s work for Pulsar Fusion will include high-level modelling and analysis to inform shielding approaches and materials considerations for future fusion-powered spacecraft architectures.
Pulsar Fusion received partial funding from the UK Space Agency for advanced propulsion systems for future spacecraft.
Pulsar Fusion is currently in discussions with global satellite manufacturers regarding their progress in plasma propulsion technology.
Pulsar Fusion is manufacturing engines that differ from traditional launch rockets as they must operate reliably in the vacuum of space for many years.
International satellite manufacturers have shown interest in the development of Pulsar Fusion's large plasma engine and its potential in future spacecraft platforms.
The successful firing of plasma engines by Pulsar Fusion could create new commercial opportunities in satellite propulsion for the company and the UK.
Pulsar Fusion intends to supply high-power plasma engines to satellite manufacturers developing larger spacecraft platforms for operations in Earth orbit and beyond.
Momentus signed a contract to perform a demonstration mission showcasing Pulsar Fusion’s newest Hall Effect Thruster technology.
The contract is part of a strategic partnership between Momentus and Pulsar Fusion.
This project is the second project awarded to Pulsar Fusion by the UK Space Agency.
The UK Space Agency collaboration will develop a relationship with the Plasma Dynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Michigan, Pulsar Fusion, Starlight Engines, and the University of Southampton.
If Pulsar Fusion's rocket demonstration achieves fusion temperatures in 2027, the technology could halve mission times to Mars and reduce flight time to Saturn to about two years.
Pulsar Fusion researchers aim to reach temperatures of several hundred million degrees in the chamber's final plasma shot, producing temperatures hotter than the Sun.