NASA, INL take next step toward developing dynamic radioisotope power system
The goal of this technology demonstration is to develop and demonstrate performance of a system that is three times more efficient than the current radioisotope power system technology. The dynamic radioisotope power system will use decay heat from plutonium-238 to create electricity via dynamic power conversion.
The first phase of this multiphase project is a 13-month contract worth approximately $3 million to design a system-level dynamic radioisotope power system concept. With successful completion of the first phase, the project will progress through additional phases to fabricate and qualify a dynamic radioisotope power system for demonstration on the moon and for future science exploration missions. This effort is coordinated through NASA's Radioisotope Power Systems program office.
