Dynamic Radioisotope Power System development for space exploration

Qualls, A.L.; Schmitz, Paul; Rusick, Jeffrey J.; Zakrajsek, James J.; Woerner, David; Cairns-Gallimore, Dirk

doi:10.1109/aero.2017.7943892

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…The baseline mission can use currently available MMRTGs (Lee & Bairstow 2015). However, the ability to use either the next-generation RTG (Matthes et al 2018) or the dynamic RPS (Qualls et al 2017) systems currently under development by NASA with estimated launch availability dates of 2026 and 2030, respectivelywhich were baselined for the recent Neptune Odyssey mission concept (Rymer et al 2021)-would provide 20%-380% greater end-of-life power than the MMRTGs and significantly enhance the capability of a New Frontiers-class Uranus orbiter.…”

Section: Required Mission Design Scope and Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Case for a New Frontiers–Class Uranus Orbiter: System Science at an Underexplored and Unique World with a Mid-scale Mission

et al. 2022

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Current knowledge of the Uranian system is limited to observations from the flyby of Voyager 2 and limited remote observations. However, Uranus remains a highly compelling scientific target due to the unique properties of many aspects of the planet itself and its system. Future exploration of Uranus must focus on cross-disciplinary science that spans the range of research areas from the planet’s interior, atmosphere, and magnetosphere to the its rings and satellites, as well as the interactions between them. Detailed study of Uranus by an orbiter is crucial not only for valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system but also for providing ground truths for the understanding of exoplanets. As such, exploration of Uranus will not only enhance our understanding of the ice giant planets themselves but also extend to planetary dynamics throughout our solar system and beyond. The timeliness of exploring Uranus is great, as the community hopes to return in time to image unseen portions of the satellites and magnetospheric configurations. This urgency motivates evaluation of what science can be achieved with a lower-cost, potentially faster-turnaround mission, such as a New Frontiers–class orbiter mission. This paper outlines the scientific case for and the technological and design considerations that must be addressed by future studies to enable a New Frontiers–class Uranus orbiter with balanced cross-disciplinary science objectives. In particular, studies that trade scientific scope and instrumentation and operational capabilities against simpler and cheaper options must be fundamental to the mission formulation.

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Section: Required Mission Design Scope and Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Case for a New Frontiers–Class Uranus Orbiter: System Science at an Underexplored and Unique World with a Mid-scale Mission

et al. 2022

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“…To develop these convertors, the RPS Program, working with the DOE, is conducting two major efforts: one that matures the dynamic technology of the convertors, called Dynamic Convertor Technology (DCT), managed under the Program's Stirling Convertor Technology Project; and, another that grounds the technology maturation from a mission and system perspective, called Dynamic RPS (DRPS) engineering, managed under the Program's Systems Formulation and Mission Integration function. 6 Key activities of this work includes 1) a procurement activity intended to result in a design and breadboard level of hardware, 2) the establishment of a Surrogate Mission Team (SMT) to develop generator system and interface requirements, and perform engineering system trades, 3) engagement with industry to assess technologies to understand the technology readiness and risks to consider for a near-term flight development activity, and 4) an activity that evaluates the use of the convertors within RPS concepts. NASA and DOE are examining these general concepts; however, a specific dynamic generator is not being designed.…”

Section: Dynamic Rps Statusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radioisotope Power Systems Program Status and Expectations

Zakrajsek

Hamley²,

Sutliff³

et al. 2017

15th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

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The NASA Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program's goal is to make RPS available for the exploration of the solar system in environments where conventional solar or chemical power generation is impractical or impossible to use to meet mission needs. To meet this goal, the RPS Program manages investments in RPS system development and RPS technologies. The RPS Program exists to support NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). The RPS Program provides strategic leadership for RPS, enables the availability of RPS for use by the planetary science community, successfully executes RPS flight projects and mission deployments, maintains a robust technology development portfolio, coordinates RPS related National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Nuclear Launch Safety (NLS) approval processes for SMD, maintains insight into the Department of Energy (DOE) implementation of NASA funded RPS production infrastructure operations, including implementation of the NASA funded heat-source plutonium production restart efforts. This paper will provide a status of recent RPS activities and accomplishments.

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