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A dynamic isotope power system for Space Exploration Initiative surface transport systems

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7295518
; ;  [1]
  1. Rockwell International Corp., Rocketdyne Div., Canoga Park, CA (United States) NASA, Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, OH (United States)
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The Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) Demonstration Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy with support funding from NASA, is currently focused on the development of a standardized 2.5-kWe portable generator for multiple applications on the lunar or Martian surface. A variety of remote and mobile potential applications have been identified by NASA, including surface rovers for both short- and extended-duration missions, remote power to science packages, and backup to central base power. Recent work focused on refining the 2.5-kWe design and emphasizing the compatibility of the system with potential surface transport systems. Work included an evaluation of the design to ensure compatibility with the Martian atmosphere while imposing only a minor mass penalty on lunar operations. Additional work included a study performed to compare the DIPS with regenerative fuel cell systems for lunar mobile and remote power systems. Power requirements were reviewed and a modular system chosen for the comparison. 4 refs.

Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
OSTI ID:
7295518
Report Number(s):
AIAA-Paper--92-1489; CONF-920373--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES
070300 -- Isotopic Power Supplies
30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300300* -- Thermoelectric Generators
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
EXPLORATION
FUEL CELLS
HEAT SOURCES
MARS PLANET
NASA
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PLANETS
POWER SUPPLIES
RADIOISOTOPE BATTERIES
THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
USES
VEHICLES