Framatome announced today that it is putting its 65 years of nuclear and industrial expertise at the service of the space industry with the creation of a new brand; Framatome Space.
“Framatome is proud to be part of the new age of space travel. We already supply the space industry with domes for the tanks of launchers and hafnium for the hardened alloys for spacecraft. With the creation of Framatome Space we are taking things to the next level,” said Bernard Fontana, CEO of Framatome, “The space industry is looking to nuclear to facilitate faster and more efficient missions. Who better than Framatome, with over six decades of experience and expertise in nuclear power, to contribute to the next giant leap for mankind?”
Space is enjoying renewed interest across the globe and a whole new generation is set to embark on a new age of space travel. As on Earth, access to a safe, continuous and reliable source of energy is key for any development. Future space exploration can be enabled or enhanced by nuclear power. Nuclear propulsion can offer higher speeds and greater efficiency. It would significantly reduce the time needed to reach Mars for example, and, in so doing, reduce exposure times to intense space radiation. Nuclear power could also provide electricity enabling the development of a suitable environment for a sustained human presence on the Moon.
"With the creation of Framatome Space, Framatome stands ready to play a decisive role in the future of space exploration. We firmly believe that nuclear is a game changer to provide the amount of energy needed by any development.” said Grégoire Lambert, Vice President, Strategy at Framatome and Framatome Space, “With our vast experience in the design and supply of equipment, services and fuel for nuclear power plants, combined with our history of working for environments with very high constraints, Framatome has a wealth of expertise to offer as mankind prepares to travel to the furthest reaches of the universe."
Over the past six decades, Framatome teams have designed, built, and serviced the nuclear steam supply system of nuclear plants across the globe. We have been present at every stage of the process on all types of reactor technologies. Framatome is also involved in the future of nuclear power generation from third generation reactors to advanced reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Our CERCA division is the world's leading supplier of uranium fuel and targets for research reactors, and our Isogen joint-venture specializes in producing radioisotopes in commercial CANDU power reactors.
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