Radioisotope electric propulsion of sciencecraft to the outer Solar System and near-interstellar space
Journal Article
·
· Nuclear News
Radioisotopes have been used successfully for more than 25 years to supply the heat for thermoelectric generators on various deep-space probes. Radioisotope electric propulsion (REP) systems have been proposed as low-thrust ion propulsion units based on radioisotope electric generators and ion thrusters. The perceived liability of radioisotope electric generators for ion propulsion is their high mass. Conventional radioisotope thermoelectric generators have a specific mass of about 200 kg/kW of electric power. Many development efforts have been undertaken with the aim of reducing the specific mass of radioisotope electric systems. Recent performance estimates suggest that specific masses of 50 kg/kW may be achievable with thermophotovoltaic and alkali metal thermal-to-electric conversion generators. Powerplants constructed from these near-term radioisotope electric generators and long-life ion thrusters will likely have specific masses in the range of 100 to 200 kg/kW of thrust power if development continues over the next decade. In earlier studies, it was concluded that flight times within the Solar System are indeed insensitive to reductions in the powerplant specific mass, and that a timely scientific program of robotic planetary rendezvous and near-interstellar space missions is enabled by primary electric propulsion once the powerplant specific mass is in the range of 100 to 200 kg/kW. Flight times can be substantially reduced by using hybrid propulsion schemes that combine chemical propulsion, gravity assist, and electric propulsion. Hybrid schemes are further explored in this article to illustrate how the performance of REP is enhanced for Pluto rendezvous, heliopause orbiter, and gravitational lens missions.
- Research Organization:
- Fermi National Accelerator Lab., Batavia, IL (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- US Department of Energy
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH03000
- OSTI ID:
- 20005593
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear News, Journal Name: Nuclear News Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 42; ISSN NUNWA8; ISSN 0029-5574
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
42 ENGINEERING
HYBRID SYSTEMS
ION THRUSTERS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
SOLAR SYSTEM
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
STIRLING ENGINES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
42 ENGINEERING
HYBRID SYSTEMS
ION THRUSTERS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
RADIOISOTOPE HEAT SOURCES
SOLAR SYSTEM
SPACECRAFT POWER SUPPLIES
STIRLING ENGINES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
THERMOPHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERTERS