European Radioisotope-Based Space Nuclear Power Systems
- Paper number
IAC-16,C3,5-C4.7,1,x35515
- Author
Dr. Richard Ambrosi, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Hugo Williams, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mrs. Marie-Claire Perkinson, Airbus Defence and Space Ltd, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Ms. Emily Jane Watkinson, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Ramy Mesalam, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Jaime Reed, Airbus Defence and Space Ltd, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Prof. Mike Reece, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Kevin Simpson, European Thermodynamics Ltd, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Colin Stroud, Lockheed Martin UK, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Stephen Gibson, Lockheed Martin UK, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Keith Stephenson, European Space Agency (ESA), The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Dr. Mark Sarsfield, National Nuclear Laboratory, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Mr. Tim Tinsley, National Nuclear Laboratory, United Kingdom
- Coauthor
Dr. Martin Townend, Thales Alenia Space, United Kingdom
- Year
2016
- Abstract
Space nuclear power systems are under development in Europe as part of a European Space Agency (ESA) programme. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG) and heater units (RHUs) are two key technology elements under development. A constant supply of electrical and thermal energy derived from radiogenic decay heat can benefit and enable a range of mission scenarios, providing more science return and increased mission longevity. The focus in Europe has been the cost effective production of americium-241 for the development of small scale RTG systems (10 W to 50 W in electrical power output) and RHUs in the 1 W to 5 W thermal power range. Thermoelectric conversion in americium systems can be achieved using cost effective bismuth telluride thermoelectric modules produced using well-established industry methods and which have been tested in a small-scale RTG configuration in the UK as part of an ESA funded programme. This paper describes the most recent updates in system design and provides further insight into recent laboratory prototype test campaigns as well as the latest development in the RHU development programme.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-16,C3,5-C4.7,1,x35515.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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