WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A multi-organization team led by Morgan State University, in collaboration with Northrop Grumman, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Project Omega, today announced its $3.37M contract award under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA’s) Rads to Watts program, a pioneering effort to convert radioactive decay into reliable, high-density electrical power for extreme environments. The initiative brings together leading expertise across industry, academia, and national laboratories to develop advanced radiovoltaic systems capable of delivering long-duration, maintenance-free power where conventional energy solutions fail.
At the center of this effort is SYMPHONEE (Strontium-Yttrium Multi-junction PIN-based High-Density Output Nano-system for Extreme Environments), a next-generation nuclear micro-power project designed to convert energy from radioisotopes like Strontium-90 directly into electricity. The end result will be systems designed to operate for decades without refueling, enabling persistent power for space systems, remote sensing, undersea infrastructure, and defense applications.
The Rads to Watts program centers on the development of a new class of radiovoltaic devices that significantly increase power density, which is the amount of power produced per mass of the device, measured in Watts per kilogram (W/kg). Achieving high power density, while maintaining a long operational lifetime, may open up new capabilities.
“Morgan State University is honored to lead this effort,” said Professor Michael Spencer, the technical lead for the project. “Our team is pushing the boundaries of radiovoltaic technology, developing high-power, long-life systems that were not previously achievable. By integrating advanced materials, device engineering, and nuclear science, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of persistent power systems for extreme environments.”
The team is advancing device architectures designed to withstand high-energy radiation while maintaining efficiency in the lab at PNNL. By combining ultra-thin semiconductor layers with high-energy beta-emitting isotopes, the system is engineered to dramatically improve power and durability. Using isotopes derived from recycled nuclear fuel, or Cold War-era nuclear waste, the system aims to deliver significantly higher power density than traditional radiovoltaic technologies.
“Our mission is to turn what has historically been treated as waste into a strategic energy asset,” said Dr. Stafford Sheehan, CEO and founder of Project Omega. “Rads to Watts provides a clear demonstration of how recovered isotopes can power critical systems for years, without needing to manage the logistics around constant battery replacement.”
Northrop Grumman brings deep expertise in microelectronics, radiation effects, and advanced modeling to the team. The company is leading simulation, characterization, and survivability analysis to ensure these systems can operate in harsh environments, including space and contested operational theaters. Using advanced AI-driven modeling and high-performance computing, Northrop Grumman is accelerating design optimization and enabling rapid iteration across complex material and device configurations.
“Persistent power is a foundational requirement for next-generation defense systems, and this program strives to deliver resilient, long-duration energy solutions that can operate where traditional systems cannot,” said Matt Hicks, director, foundry, advanced packaging and test at Northrop Grumman. “Our aim is to constantly disrupt our own technology, building on our past to transform for the future.”
This effort is focused on step-change improvements in power density, targeting systems capable of delivering meaningful electrical output from compact, long-lived sources. Early modeling indicates the potential to meet and exceed program targets for specific power and energy density, opening the door to entirely new mission capabilities.
By combining advanced materials, nuclear science, and system-level engineering, the team is redefining what is possible for persistent power at the tactical edge.
Other companies participating in the SYMPHONEE project include ARA and Widetronix.
About Morgan State
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master’s degree, doctorate and certificate programs. As Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
About Project Omega
Project Omega is a nuclear energy company focused on closing the nuclear fuel cycle and unlocking the value of used nuclear fuel. The company develops technologies to recover critical isotopes and deliver scalable, long-duration power solutions for defense and commercial applications. Learn more at www.projectomega.com
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day. Learn more at www.northropgrumman.com
Contacts
Media Contacts:
Cheryl Stewart, Morgan State University (Cheryl.Stewart@morgan.edu)
Johanna Spangenberg Jones, Project Omega (Johanna@projectomega.com)
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