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Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS)
Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) generate electrical power by converting the heat released from the nuclear decay of radioactive isotopes into electricity. Radioisotope systems are also long-lived, rugged, compact, highly reliable, and relatively insensitive to radiation and other environmental effects. They are ideally suited for missions involving self-sufficient operations in the intense environments of space and planetary surfaces. An important benefit of RPS is their ability to operate continuously.
   
  Stirling Radiosotope Generator (SRG)
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Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG)The Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) is one of the technologies being developed to provide spacecraft onboard electric power for potential use on future NASA missions.
  + Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) Image Gallery
   
  Next Generation Stirling Radiosotope Generator (SRG)
   
  Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG)
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  MMRTG Model Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators can provide continuous power for twenty-plus years, and have been used safely and reliably over the past 30 years in regions of space where the use of solar power is not possible.  The Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA are initiating the development of a new generation of power system that could be used for a variety of missions.  The new RTG, called a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) will be designed to operate on planetary bodies as well as in the vacuum of space.
   
  Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP)
 

REP DrawingThe combination of Radioisotope Power Systems and Electric Propulsion is defined as Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP).  Using advanced power and propulsion technologies, REP has been identified for potential use on Space Science missions to outer planetary targets using medium class launch vehicles.

   
  Advanced Radioisotope Power Conversion Technologyies
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  NASA's Radioisotope Power Conversion Technology program is developing next generation power conversion technologies that will enable future missions that have requirements that cannot be met by either the ubiquitous photovoltaic systems or by current Radioisotope Power System (RPS) technology.

An advanced Stirling Convertor Technology has been selected for additional development under a NASA Research Announcement (NRA) managed by the Glenn Research Center.
   
  Stirling Cycle Engines (SCE)
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  Stirling Cycle EngineStirling Cycle Engines (SCE) have the potential of achieving efficiencies three-to-four times greater than existing systems.  SCE have been used in space for sensor cooling and cryogenic storage.
   
  RPS Mission Assessment/Mission Studies Application
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  RPS Mission Assessment
   
  + Click here to view the Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Image Gallery
   
  This page is continuing to be updated as the program changes.  Check back for updates.
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