The Technology of Discovery Incisive discussions of a critical mission-enabling technology for deep space missions
In The Technology of Discovery: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration, distinguished JPL engineer and manager David Woerner delivers an insightful discussion of how radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are used in the exploration of space. It also explores their history, function, their market potential, and the governmental forces that drive their production and design. Finally, it presents key technologies incorporated in RTGs and their potential for future missions and design innovation.
The author provides a clear and understandable treatment of the subject, ranging from straightforward overviews of the technology to complex discussions of the field of thermoelectrics. Included is also background on NASA's decision to resurrect the GPHS-RTG and discussion of the future of commercialization of nuclear space missions. Readers will also find:
A thorough introduction to RTGs, as well as their invention, history, and evolution Comprehensive explorations of the contributions made by RTGs to US space exploration Practical discussions of the evolution, selection, and production of RPS fuels In-depth examinations of technologies and generators currently in development, including skutterudite thermoelectrics for an enhanced MMRTG
Perfect for space explorers, aerospace engineers, managers, and scientists, The Technology of Discovery will also earn a place in the libraries of NASA archivists and other historians.
Author(s): David Frederich Woerner
Series: JPL Space Science and Technology Series
Publisher: Wiley
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 331
City: Hoboken
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Foreward
Note From the Series Editor
Preface
Authors
Reviewers
Acknowledgments
Glossary
List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
Chapter 1 The History of the Invention of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) for Space Exploration
References
Chapter 2 The History of the United States’s Flight and Terrestrial RTGs
2.1 Flight RTGs
2.1.1 SNAP Flight Program
2.1.1.1 SNAP-3
2.1.1.2 SNAP-9
2.1.1.3 SNAP-19
2.1.1.4 SNAP-27
2.1.2 Transit-RTG
2.1.3 Multi-Hundred-Watt RTG
2.1.4 General Purpose Heat Source RTG
2.1.4.1 General Purpose Heat Source
2.1.4.2 GPHS-RTG System
2.1.5 Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
2.1.6 US Flight RTGs
2.2 Unflown Flight RTGs
2.2.1.1 SNAP-1
2.2.1.2 SNAP-11
2.2.1.3 SNAP-13
2.2.1.4 SNAP-17
2.2.1.5 SNAP-29
2.2.1.6 Selenide Isotope Generator
2.2.1.7 Modular Isotopic Thermoelectric Generator
2.2.1.8 Modular RTG
2.3 Terrestrial RTGs
2.3.1 SNAP Terrestrial RTGs
2.3.1.1 SNAP-7
2.3.1.2 SNAP-15
2.3.1.3 SNAP-21
2.3.1.4 SNAP-23
2.3.2 Sentinel 25 and 100 Systems
2.3.3 Sentry
2.3.4 URIPS-P1
2.3.5 RG-1
2.3.6 BUP-500
2.3.7 Millibatt-1000
2.4 Conclusion
References
Chapter 3 US Space Flights Enabled by RTGs
3.1 SNAP-3B Missions (1961)
3.1.1 Transit 4A and Transit 4B
3.2 SNAP-9A Missions (1963–1964)
3.2.1 Transit 5BN-1, 5BN-2, and 5BN-3
3.3 SNAP-19 Missions (1968–1975)
3.3.1 Nimbus-B and Nimbus III
3.3.2 Pioneer 10 and 11
3.3.3 Viking 1 and 2 Landers
3.4 SNAP-27 Missions (1969–1972)
3.4.1 Apollo 12–17
3.5 Transit-RTG Mission (1972)
3.5.1 TRIAD
3.6 MHW-RTG Missions (1976–1977)
3.6.1 Lincoln Experimental Satellites 8 and 9
3.6.2 Voyager 1 and 2
3.7 GPHS-RTG Missions (1989–2006)
3.7.1 Galileo
3.7.2 Ulysses
3.7.3 Cassini
3.7.4 New Horizons
3.8 MMRTG Missions: (2011-Present (2021))
3.8.1 Curiosity
3.8.2 Perseverance
3.8.3 Dragonfly–Scheduled Future Mission
3.9 Discussion of Flight Frequency
3.10 Summary of US Missions Enabled by RTGs
References
Chapter 4 Nuclear Systems Used for Space Exploration by Other Countries
4.1 Soviet Union
4.2 China
References
Chapter 5 Nuclear Physics, Radioisotope Fuels, and Protective Components
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Introduction to Nuclear Physics
5.2.1 The Atom
5.2.2 Radioactivity and Decay
5.2.3 Emission of Radiation
5.2.3.1 Alpha Decay
5.2.3.2 Beta Decay
5.2.3.3 Photon Emission
5.2.3.4 Neutron Emission
5.2.3.5 Decay Chains
5.2.4 Interactions of Radiation with Matter
5.2.4.1 Charged Particle Interactions with Matter
5.2.4.2 Neutral Particle Interactions with Matter
5.2.4.3 Biological Interactions of Radiation with Matter
5.3 Historic Radioisotope Fuels
5.3.1 Polonium-210
5.3.2 Cerium-144
5.3.3 Strontium-90
5.3.4 Curium-242
5.3.5 Curium-244
5.3.6 Cesium-137
5.3.7 Promethium-147
5.3.8 Thallium-204
5.4 Producing Modern PuO2
5.4.1 Cermet Target Design, Fabrication, and Irradiation
5.4.2 Improved Target Design
5.4.3 Post-Irradiation Chemical Processing
5.4.4 Waste Management
5.4.5 Conversion to Production Mode of Operation
5.5 Fuel, Cladding, and Encapsulations for Modern Spaceflight RTGs
5.5.1 Evolution of Radioisotope Heat Source Protection
5.5.2 General Purpose Heat Source
5.5.3 Fine Weave Pierced Fabric (FWPF)
5.5.4 Carbon-Bonded Carbon Fiber (CBCF)
5.5.5 Heat Transfer Considerations
5.5.6 Cladding
5.6 Summary
References
Chapter 6 A Primer on the Underlying Physics in Thermoelectrics
6.1 Underlying Physics in Thermoelectric Materials
6.1.1 Reciprocal Lattice and Brillouin Zone
6.1.2 Electronic Band Structure
6.1.3 Lattice Vibration and Phonons
6.2 Thermoelectric Theories and Limitations
6.2.1 Best Thermoelectric Materials
6.2.2 Imbalanced Thermoelectric Legs
6.3 Thermal Conductivity and Phonon Scattering
6.3.1 Highlights of SiGe
References
Chapter 7 End-to-End Assembly and Pre-flight Operations for RTGs
7.1 GPHS Assembly
7.2 RTG Fueling and Testing
7.3 RTG Delivery, Spacecraft Checkout, and RTG Integration for Flight
References
Chapter 8 Lifetime Performance of Spaceborne RTGs
8.1 Introduction
8.2 History of RTG Performance at a Glance
8.3 RTG Performance by Generator Type
8.3.1 SNAP-3B
8.3.2 SNAP-9A
8.3.3 SNAP-19B
8.3.4 SNAP-27
8.3.5 Transit-RTG
8.3.6 SNAP-19
8.3.7 Multi-Hundred Watt RTG
8.3.8 General Purpose Heat Source RTG
8.3.9 Multi-Mission RTG
References
Chapter 9 Modern Analysis Tools and Techniques for RTGs
9.1 Analytical Tools for Evaluating Performance Degradation and Extrapolating Future Power
9.1.1 Integrated Rate Law Equation
9.1.2 Multiple Degradation Mechanisms
9.1.3 Solving for k′ and x
9.1.4 Integrated Rate Equation
9.1.5 Analysis of Residuals
9.1.6 Rate Law Equations: RTGs versus Chemistry versus Math
9.1.6.1 Application to RTG Performance
9.2 Effects of Thermal Inventory on Lifetime Performance
9.2.1 Analysis of GPHS-RTG
9.2.2 Analysis of MMRTG
9.3 (Design) Life Performance Prediction
9.3.1 RTG’s degradation mechanisms
9.3.2 Physics-based RTG Life Performance Prediction
9.4 Radioisotope Power System Dose Estimation Tool (RPS-DET)
9.4.1 Motivation
9.4.2 RPS-DET Software Components
9.4.3 RPS-DET Geometries
9.4.4 RPS-DET Source Terms and Radiation Transport
9.4.5 Simulation Results
9.4.6 Validation and Verification
9.4.7 Conclusion
References
Chapter 10 Advanced US RTG Technologies in Development
10.1 Introduction
10.1.1 Background
10.2 Skutterudite-based Thermoelectric Converter Technology for a Potential MMRTG Retrofit
10.2.1 Introduction
10.2.2 Thermoelectric Couple and 48-Couple Module Design and Fabrication
10.2.3 Performance Testing of Couples and 48-Couple Module
10.2.4 Generator Life Performance Prediction
10.3 Next Generation RTG Technology Evolution
10.3.1 Introduction
10.3.2 Challenges to Reestablishing a Production Capability
10.3.2.1 Design Trades
10.3.2.2 Silicon Germanium Unicouple Production
10.3.2.3 Converter Assembly
10.3.3 Opportunities for Enhancements
10.4 Considerations for Emerging Commercial RTG Concepts
10.4.1 Introduction
10.4.2 Challenges for Commercial Space RTGs
10.4.2.1 Radioisotopes
10.4.2.2 Specific Power
10.4.2.3 Launch Approval
10.4.3 Launch Safety Analyses and Testing
10.4.3.1 Modeling Approaches
10.4.3.2 Safety Testing
10.4.3.3 Leveraging Legacy Design Concepts
References
Index
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