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Requirements and designs for Mars Rover RTGsA typical Rover mission, its requirements, the environment it imposes on the radionuclide thermoelectric generator (RTG), and a design approach for making the RTG operable in such an environment are described. Specific RTG designs for various thermoelectric element alternatives are presented. The results of studies show that current multifoil-insulated GPHS (general-purpose heat source) RTG and Mod-RTG designs can be modified to operate in an environment with an external atmosphere (e.g., Mars). This can be done while the helium generated by the fuel's alpha decay is vented to the external atmosphere. The use of novel selective vents and high-capacity getters is not required. The Rover RTGs can be built from standard, proven GPHS modules and standard SiGe unicouples or SiGe/GaP multicouples, using demonstrated thermoelectric material performance parameters. Rover's 500-W power requirement can be satisfied with two 250-W or four 125-W RTGs, whose sizes are compatible with currently envisaged Rover designs. An auxiliary cooling loop (e.g., water and antifreeze) will be required to cool the RTG while it is within the Rover's aeroshell during launch and transit to Mars.
Document ID
19900051222
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Schock, A.
(Fairchild Space Co. Germantown, MD, United States)
Sankarankandath, V.
(Fairchild Space Co. Germantown, MD, United States)
Shirbacheh, M.
(JPL Pasadena, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Meeting Information
Meeting: IECEC-89
Location: Washington, DC
Country: United States
Start Date: August 6, 1989
End Date: August 11, 1989
Accession Number
90A38277
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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