Canada launches centre to boost nuclear isotope production for deep-space missions

The Nuclear Innovation Institute opened the Canadian Centre for Space Isotopes in Toronto. It will focus on research, policy and partnerships to supply radioisotope power systems that work without sunlight. The effort runs through 2030, with a report due in early 2027.

• The centre opened in Toronto and will run through 2030
• Radioisotope systems provide power far from the Sun where solar panels fail
• Canada's space sector contributed $3.8 billion to GDP in 2024 and 28,000 jobs
• Ontario plans to double isotope production by 2030