A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) using curium-242 as fuel, developed as an alternate power supply, has been shown to be compatible with the Atlas-Centaur and Surveyor requirements. This power supply provides a relatively low weight and highly reliable system capable of producing 25 watts output under lunar conditions for a mission life of 120 days. The system is unique in that it utilizes a thermal control system that maintains a relatively constant thermal input to the energy conversion components.Major program effort was focused on nuclear safety, thermoelectric generator development, converter development, and system qualification tests.


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    Title :

    Advanced Radioisotope Thermoelectric Space Power System


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers


    Contributors:
    Elias, D. (author) / Gray, I. L. (author)

    Conference:

    Aeronautic and Space Engineering and Manufacturing Meeting ; 1965



    Publication date :

    1965-02-01




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English





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