Modular RTG status

Hartman, Robert F.; Peterson, J. R.; Barnett, William

doi:10.1063/1.41915

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The last column gives estimated specific masses for hypothetical powerplants using a 30 cm, derated xenon thruster discussed in this section as an example. The first three devices in Table 1 involve direct conversion of heat to electricity: the conventional radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) using SiGe unicouples [5], the modular RTG (MOD-RTG) which uses SiGe/GaP multicouples consisting of 20 thermocouples connected in series [6] and the radioisotope thermophotovoltaic (RTPV) power system which would use GaSb infrared (IR) photovoltaic cells to directly convert radiant heat from the radioisotope to electricity [7]. With the development of improved IR filters, the estimated efficiency of RTPV units has increased from 13% to 23% in recent years.…”

Section: Rep Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Radioisotope electric propulsion of sciencecraft to the outer solar system and near-interstellar space

Noble

1999

Acta Astronautica

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Recent results are presented in the study of radioisotope electric propulsion as a near-term technology for sending small robotic sciencecraft to the outer Solar System and near-interstellar space. Radioisotope electric propulsion (REP) systems are low-thrust, ion propulsion units based on radioisotope electric generators and ion thrusters. Powerplant specific masses are expected to be in the range of 100 to 200 kg/kW of thrust power. Planetary rendezvous missions to Pluto, fast missions to the heliopause (100 AU) with the capability to decelerate an orbiter for an extended science program and prestellar missions to the first gravitational lens focus of the Sun (550 AU) are investigated.

show abstract

Section: Rep Technologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many development efforts have been undertaken with the aim of reducing the specific mass of radioisotope electric systems [6] [7] [8] [9]. Recent performance estimates suggest that specific masses of 50 kg/kW may be achievable for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) and alkali metal thermal to electric (AMTEC) generators [10] [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%