L3Harris finalises design of deep space power source

[Marlin]

L3Harris finalises design of deep space power source

https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/l3harris-finalises-design-of-deep-space-power-source

[News Wire]

US technology company L3Harris Technologies announced it has finalised the design of a next-generation nuclear-based power source for future NASA deep space missions, marking a crucial advancement in spacecraft power technology. ;

The company's Next-Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (Next Gen RTG) cleared its critical design review (CDR) on 2 April, paving the way for a new era of outer solar system exploration.

The space community has relied mainly on photovoltaic power systems, a technology that was originally developed for the purpose of space applications and has found many terrestrial uses. However, these systems pose severe limitations for missions to places like the outer solar system. The available solar energy reduces with the square of the distance from the sun. For example, on Saturn the solar power density is a hundred times lower than on Earth.

L3Harris Technologies completed the critical design review for its Next-Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator. This power source provides a reliable energy alternative for deep space missions where solar intensity is insufficient for photovoltaic systems. The development enables extended exploration of the outer solar system by providing consistent electrical power independent of solar distance.

Read the full article at World Nuclear News: https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/l3harris-finalises-design-of-deep-space-power-source