Exploratory Research on Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators for Deep Space Missions

Abstract

To support the development of a Radioisotope Power Source (RPS) for exploration missions into deep space based on 241Am, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has recently launched an exploratory research project, scheduled for a period of two years. It aims at finding innovative solutions for higher performance, safety and reliability of such a device. In addition, it will serve as a start-up platform for this field of research and enable identification of research areas, where JRC can significantly complement and support the already existing activities in Europe. The project is divided into several subtasks and will investigate safety related properties of americium (oxide) as a heat source, compatibility of americium compounds with cladding and structural materials, properties of alternative americium compounds, properties of advanced thermoelectric materials. The new exploratory research project will be introduced together with an overview on the available facilities and capabilities of JRC in this domain. Alternative americium forms with potential improved stability versus the oxides are discussed and innovative thermoelectric materials based on actinides are introduced.