Nuclear power in space
Space exploration using nuclear energy
Nuclear power in space
Nuclear power in space is the use of nuclear power onboard spacecraft, for electricity, heat, or propulsion. The most common type is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), which has been used on satellites, space probes and on the crewed Apollo missions to the Moon. Small nuclear fission reactors for Earth satellites have also been flown, by the Soviet US-A program and American SNAP-10A. Radioisotope heater units (RHU) are also used to prevent components from becoming too cold to function. Among nuclear power systems launched into space, plutonium-238 is the most common radioisotope fuel. Its half-life of 87.7 years allows RTGs to power spacecraft consistently for decades at electric outputs of hundreds of watts. Nuclear power systems function independently of sunlight, which is advantageous for Mars and outer Solar System exploration. RTGs used on Mars missions include the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers and Viking landers. All spacecraft leaving the Solar System, i.e., Pioneer...
Read on Wikipedia · Image Los Alamos National Laboratory, Attribution
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