ENDURE Programme

ENDURE (EuropeaN Devices Using Radioisotope Energy) is ESA’s effort to establish a European radioisotope heat and power capability for exploration. It develops americium-241 systems for the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover and also supports investigation of a European plutonium-238 supply chain. ESA’s June 2026 account describes the Optimum Pro study by Tractebel Engie with SCK CEN, which assessed existing infrastructure and produced a roadmap extending to 2039; this is a feasibility study rather than an operating production chain. ENDURE began with funding through the General Support Technology Programme and subsequently moved under ESA’s Human and Robotic Exploration directorate. Its work addresses operation in environments where sunlight cannot reliably supply the required energy.