Nasa radioisotope power systems

What is the radioisotope power systems (RPS) program?

The Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program is a technology development effort, managed by NASA, that is strategically investing in nuclear power technologies that would maintain NASA's current space science capabilities and enable future exploration.

What is a radioisotope power system?

Radioisotope Power System technologies produce electricity and heat for decades under the harsh conditions of deep space without refueling. RPS — short for radioisotope power systems — are sometimes referred to as a type of "nuclear battery."

When was the first radioisotope power system invented?

The U.S. Navy launched the first radioisotope power system in 1961. A total of 24 NASA missions have successfully flown with an RPS since 1969. One new mission — NASA's Dragonfly quadcopter — is in development.

Are radioisotope power systems safe?

Radioisotope power systems (RPS) have safely been in use in the United States for over 60 years. RPS-enabled NASA missions have utilized space nuclear power to explore planets, moons, and interstellar space. This exploration resulted in changes to our understanding of our Solar System and our place within it.

Can radioisotope power be used for missions?

Current concepts for missions that could be enabled or significantly enhanced by the use of radioisotope power include missions to Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Europa, Saturn, Titan, Uranus, Neptune, the moon, asteroids and comets.

What is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator?

A Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator, or RTG, is a type of power system for space missions that converts heat from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238 into electricity using devices called thermocouples, where heat is applied across a circuit that includes dissimilar metals. This produces an electric current via the Seebeck effect.