UK-based in-orbit propulsion systems provider Pulsar Fusion has announced that the UK Atomic Energy Authority will assist the company with the development of neutron shielding and activation modelling for its Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle. In March 2025, Pulsar Fusion unveiled its Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle, which it claimed had been developed “in complete secrecy over the past decade.” The vehicle is intended to serve as a reusable space tug, transporting satellites and probes into deep space in a fraction of the time required by spacecraft using conventional propulsion systems. According to the company, it could cut mission times to Mars by half and enable missions to Pluto in just four years.

Pulsar Fusion website: https://pulsarfusion.com They do Hall Effect thrusters too...

Who knows if this will ever get off the ground, but man it sounds cool as heck: > "On 24 February, the Bletchley-headquartered company announced that the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) would support the development of its Sunbird programme, aiding in the development of neutron shielding and activation modelling. According to Pulsar Fusion, the work will include “high-level modelling and analysis to inform shielding approaches and materials considerations for future fusion-powered spacecraft architectures.” > “This is an important step forward for Sunbird,” said Pulsar Fusion CEO Richard Dinan. “UKAEA’s support strengthens the technical groundwork behind our fusion propulsion roadmap and reflects the growing momentum behind the UK’s role in building the future fusion economy, not only on Earth, but in space.”