Astral Systems

A Bristol-region fusion company developing compact fusion reactors, starting with medical radioisotopes used in cancer care.

About Astral Systems

Astral Systems is developing a compact fusion reactor based on what it calls multi-state fusion. Its near-term use is making medical radioisotopes, used in scans to diagnose diseases such as cancer and in targeted radiotherapy. Smaller production sites could sit closer to hospitals.

Chief executive and co-founder Talmon Firestone said in June 2026: "We are rewriting how we approach fusion and, in doing so, redefining what it means to be a fusion company." We did not find a longer mission statement.

The University of Bristol describes it as a Bristol-region deep tech company, and it has a link to the university through co-founder Dr Tom Wallace-Smith. In June 2025 it also took space at the UK Atomic Energy Authority's Culham Campus in Oxfordshire. A June 2026 press release says it has 23 employees and plans to grow to more than 40.

We did not find culture or values statements. The named leaders are Talmon Firestone and Dr Tom Wallace-Smith.

We found no graduate scheme, internship or vacancy listing. A small team like this usually recruits directly, so check Astral's website, and think about physics, engineering and nuclear science backgrounds.

What they do

• {'desc': 'Multi-state fusion technology for small-scale systems.', 'title': 'Compact fusion reactors'}
• {'desc': 'Materials used in cancer imaging and treatment.', 'title': 'Medical radioisotopes'}
• {'desc': 'Experiments at the Culham Campus.', 'title': 'Tritium breeding work'}

Key facts

• Bristol-region company, linked to the University of Bristol
• Space at UKAEA Culham Campus from June 2025
• 23 employees, aiming for more than 40 (June 2026)
• CEO and co-founder: Talmon Firestone

Website: www.astralsystems.co.uk