Power source considerations for Grand Tour missions.At the present time, there exists no known power source that will satisfy the power, weight, lifetime, and other stringent requirements of an extended outer-planet mission. Exploratory studies indicate the need for a solar-independent power source capable of supplying approximately 500 W of power over mission lifetimes of up to 12 years. The only known power source which can possibly meet these requirements, in the 1975 to 1979 time period, is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). In 1969 a program began to develop a long-life, plutonium-fueled radioisotope thermoelectric power system. Aspects of spacecraft configuration are discussed together with power source requirements, RTG/spacecraft integration, operational details, and problems of safety.
Document ID
19730041240
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Merrill, O. S.
Weber, W. B. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Nuclear Power Sources Group, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Leonard, W. D. (Resalab, Inc. Menlo Park, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1972
Subject Category
Auxiliary Systems
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference; Energy 70