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The F1 Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) : a Power Subsystem Enabler for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) MissionThe Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) spacecraft carrying the Curiosity rover launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) on November 26, 2011. Following an 8.5-month cruise and after a successful Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) phase, the Curiosity rover arrived at the surface of Mars on August 6, 2012 UTC. At the core of the Curiosity rover power subsystem is the F1 Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) supplied by the Department of Energy. Integration of the F1 MMRTG into the MSL spacecraft has provided the first opportunity to architect a power subsystem that also included a Solar Array (during the cruise phase of the mission and up to the initial stage of the EDL phase) and secondary Li-ion batteries for operation during the planned one Martian year surface phase of the mission. This paper describes the F1 MMRTG functional features as an enabler of the MSL mission and as a novel component of the MSL power subsystem architecture.
Document ID
20150005587
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Jones, Loren
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Moreno, Victor
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Zimmerman, Robert
(Jet Propulsion Lab., California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
April 13, 2015
Publication Date
February 25, 2013
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Nuclear Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space 2013 (NETS 2013)
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Country: United States
Start Date: February 25, 2013
End Date: February 28, 2013
Sponsors: American Nuclear Society, Aerojet
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Curiosity rover
Mars Science Laboratory
power systems
Mars rover
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG)

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