A multi‑organization team led by Morgan State University has secured a $3.37 million contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under its “Rads to Watts” program. The award is intended to fund the development of SYMPHONEE, a radiovoltaic system that converts the decay energy of radioisotopes directly into electricity. By leveraging isotopes such as Strontium‑90, the project aims to create power sources that can operate for decades without refueling, delivering high‑density, maintenance‑free electricity in environments where conventional generators or batteries are impractical. The technology is of particular interest to utilities, grid operators, and industrial buyers that must power remote or hard‑to‑service assets, as well as to defense and space agencies seeking persistent energy for missions at the tactical edge.
DARPA Awards $3.37M Contract to Morgan State University Team
The contract, announced today, formalizes a partnership among Morgan State University, Northrop Grumman, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Project Omega. Together, the collaborators will design and prototype next‑generation nuclear micro‑power systems capable of delivering high‑density power from isotopes such as Strontium‑90. The $3.37 million award is part of DARPA’s broader “Rads to Watts” effort, which seeks to “convert radioactive decay into reliable, high‑density electrical power for extreme environments.”
Professor Michael Spencer, technical lead from Morgan State, emphasized that the team is “pushing the boundaries of radiovoltaic technology, developing high‑power, long‑life systems that were not previously achievable.” Dr. Stafford Sheehan, CEO and founder of Project Omega, added that the program “turns what has historically been treated as waste into a strategic energy asset.” Northrop Grumman will spearhead simulation, characterization, and survivability analysis; Matt Hicks, director of advanced packaging and test at Northrop Grumman, highlighted the need for “persistent power … where traditional systems cannot” operate. PNNL will conduct laboratory testing of device architectures, focusing on ultra‑thin semiconductor layers that can withstand high‑energy beta radiation while maintaining conversion efficiency.
SYMPHONEE Project Targets High‑Density Radiovoltaic Power
SYMPHONEE—short for Strontium‑Yttrium Multi‑junction PIN‑based High‑Density Output Nano‑system for Extreme Environments—centers on pairing ultra‑thin semiconductor junctions with high‑energy beta‑emitting isotopes. Early modeling at PNNL suggests the design could achieve power densities that exceed current radiovoltaic benchmarks, measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg). By using isotopes sourced from recycled nuclear fuel or Cold War‑era waste, the system is engineered to deliver “decades without refueling,” dramatically reducing logistics and maintenance burdens.
Northrop Grumman’s contribution includes AI‑driven modeling and high‑performance computing to accelerate design optimization. The company’s expertise in microelectronics, radiation effects, and advanced packaging will ensure that the devices can survive harsh conditions such as space radiation, deep‑sea pressure, and contested operational theaters. The team’s goal is a step‑change improvement in both specific power (W/kg) and energy density (Wh/kg), positioning SYMPHONEE to provide “meaningful electrical output from compact, long‑lived sources,” as described in the DARPA announcement.
Potential Applications for Defense and Remote Infrastructure
The SYMPHONEE platform is intended for space systems, remote sensing, undersea infrastructure, and defense applications, where conventional batteries or generators are impractical. Persistent, maintenance‑free power could support long‑duration missions, reduce logistics for battery replacement, and enable new capabilities at the tactical edge. For example, satellite constellations could carry SYMPHONEE modules to extend mission lifetimes without costly refueling, while undersea cables could maintain sensor arrays for decades. Other participants, ARA and Widetronix, are also involved in the project, though the announcement did not disclose their specific contributions.
Key Takeaways
- DARPA awarded a $3.37 million contract to a team led by Morgan State University under the Rads to Watts program.
- The SYMPHONEE system targets high‑density power from Strontium‑90, aiming for decades‑long, maintenance‑free operation.
- Early modeling indicates the project could exceed program targets for specific power and energy density, opening possibilities for space, undersea, and defense applications.
EnergyInsyte's Take
The contract signals renewed federal interest in radiovoltaic technology as a niche power source for assets that cannot rely on grid connectivity or frequent maintenance. While performance targets remain unproven, utilities and industrial operators should monitor progress for potential integration into remote or hardened infrastructure where conventional power is cost‑prohibitive. Further data on efficiency, safety certification, and supply‑chain readiness will determine commercial viability.
Source: Businesswire
