The three advanced converter technologies for future potential radioisotope power sources for space were evaluated based on mission requirements for proposed NASA planetary missions. Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Conversion (AMTEC), Stirling Conversion (STC) and Thermal Photovoltaic (TPV) technologies were the three best advanced conversion technologies candidates for low power, ∼100 watts, space radioisotope power source. General mission requirements were prepared for potential NASA deep space scientific missions as described in the Mission to the Solar System Roadmap, (Elachi 1996). The selection criteria for the conversion technology was prepared based on mission requirements. Safety, Performance (efficiency, specific power & lifetime), Development (cost and schedule risk), Spacecraft Interfaces and Operations and Scalability (150We to 50We to 10We) were the five key converter technology characteristics used to compare and make the selection. AMTEC was selected as the conversion technology for the near term advanced radioisotope power source for potential NASA deep space science missions.


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    Title :

    Advanced converter technology evaluation and selection for ARPS


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Space technology and applications international forum - 1998 ; 1998 ; Albuquerque,New Mexico (USA)


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 420 , 1 ; 1098-1105


    Publication date :

    1998-01-15


    Size :

    8 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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