NASA [National Aeronautics and Space Administration] low power DIPS [Dynamic Isotope Power System] conceptual design study; Final report
This report describes the conceptual design and integration of a low power (0.5 to 1.0 kWe) Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) Low Power (LPD) with the Mariner Mark II (MMII) spacecraft for use on interplanetary and space exploration missions as an alternative to RTGs. A detailed MMII/LPD system description is provided that discusses, among other things, the design requirements, design point selection, system layout and spacecraft integration, mechanical design, electrical system design, interface assessments, reliability, and safety. Performance characteristics are given for the reference 500 We LPD using a peak cycle temperature of 1100 K. Parametrics are provided giving themore »