A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG, RITEG), sometimes referred to as a radioisotope power system (RPS), is a type of nuclear battery that uses an array of thermocouples to convert the heat released by the decay of a suitable radioactive material into …

Sep 26, 2024 · NASA uses radioisotope thermoelectric generators, or RTGs, to provide electrical power for certain spacecraft by converting the heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238 (Pu-238) fuel into electricity.

The following provides an overview of radioisotope thermoelectric generators including descriptions of their designs and how they operate, some examples of modern applications, and a few comments on their general safety.

Nov 3, 2024 · Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) provide electrical power to spacecraft using heat from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238, in the form of plutonium oxide.

The advanced Stirling radioisotope generator (ASRG) is a radioisotope power system first developed at NASA's Glenn Research Center. It uses a Stirling power conversion technology to convert radioactive-decay heat into electricity for use on spacecraft.

Nov 3, 2024 · A radioisotope thermoelectric generator, or RTG provides power for spacecraft by converting heat generated by the natural radioactive decay of its fuel source, plutonium oxide, into electricity using devices called thermocouples. RTGs have no moving parts.

Feb 16, 2021 · Radioisotope power systems (RPS) convert heat generated by the natural decay of plutonium-238 —a radioactive isotope—into electrical power. They have powered more than two dozen U.S. space missions and are capable of producing heat and electricity under the harsh conditions in deep space for decades without any maintenance.

A Stirling radioisotope generator (SRG) is a type of radioisotope generator based on a Stirling engine powered by a large radioisotope heater unit. The hot end of the Stirling converter reaches high temperature and heated helium drives the piston, with heat being rejected at the cold end of the engine. A generator or alternator converts the ...

May 7, 2024 · Most nuclear-powered probes traveling beyond Earth orbit, however, have instead utilized radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which harness the heat produced by radioactive decay rather than a nuclear chain reaction.

Nov 13, 2024 · A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) is one such example, as it is tasked to convert the decay energy of radioisotopes into heat energy, which is later converted into electrical power using the Seebeck effect.