NASA Develops Long-Lasting Nuclear Batteries for Centuries-Long Space Missions
TL;DR
NASA is researching americium-241 as a new isotope for nuclear batteries to power spacecraft for centuries, potentially enabling longer and more distant space missions beyond current capabilities that rely on plutonium-238. This development involves testing advanced conversion systems like Stirling engines to harness the isotope's long half-life, promising a new era of sustainable deep space exploration.
Topics:sciencescience-and-technology#americium-241#nasa#nuclear-batteries#rtgs#science-and-technology#space-exploration
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