WASHINGTON – NASA’s latest breakthrough in nuclear fuel technology, featuring the promising americium-241, could revolutionize deep space exploration by providing longer-lasting and more reliable power for spacecraft operating far from the Sun.
NASA is once again pushing the boundaries of space exploration, this time with a groundbreaking development in nuclear fuel technology. The agency is testing a new type of nuclear fuel that promises to outperform the traditional plutonium-238, potentially revolutionizing the way we power spacecraft destined for the far reaches of our solar system, according to Energy Reporters.
This innovative effort is part of NASA’s broader mission to enhance the reliability and longevity of space missions, ensuring that spacecraft can operate efficiently even in the most challenging environments. As space agencies worldwide race to explore the cosmos, NASA’s latest endeavor could redefine the future of space travel.
Fueling Farther, Cheaper, Longer
Earlier this year, NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland took a significant step forward by collaborating with the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Together, they tested a Stirling generator powered by americium-241 heat source simulators. These simulators mimic the thermal output of americium decay, allowing engineers to evaluate the generator’s performance and reliability without the risks of handling radioactive materials.
The Stirling convertor, unlike conventional heat engines, employs floating pistons without a crankshaft or rotating bearings. This design enables the generator to operate continuously for decades with minimal wear. A remarkable feature of the Stirling generator is its ability to continue producing power even if one convertor fails. This reliability is crucial for missions that cannot afford power losses in deep space.
Salvatore Oriti, a mechanical engineer at Glenn, emphasized the swift progress made from concept to prototype, highlighting the synergy between NASA and the University of Leicester. The successful performance and efficiency tests have paved the way for developing a next-generation testbed aimed at lower mass and higher fidelity, prepared for environmental testing. If successful, americium-241 could expand NASA’s power options for missions to the outer solar system, where sunlight is scarce and reliability is paramount.
Power That Outlasts Decades
NASA’s focus on americium-241 comes at a time when the demand for long-lived, compact, and efficient power systems is greater than ever. This need is not only for robotic spacecraft but also for future crewed missions and lunar surface operations. With a half-life of 432 years, americium-241 offers a compelling alternative to plutonium-238, which is more expensive and difficult to produce at scale.
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