The Technology of Discovery (eBook, ePUB)

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration
Redaktion: Woerner, David Friedrich

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

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.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: John Wiley & Sons
• Seitenzahl: 336
• Erscheinungstermin: 6. Februar 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9781119811381
• Artikelnr.: 67434573

Autorenporträt

David Friedrich Woerner is the Systems Formulation manager for NASA's Radioisotope Power Systems Program (RPSP) where he oversees several RPS developments. Before joining the RPSP, he oversaw the MMRTG's development and integration for the Mars Science Laboratory Project, and he was the MMRTG and Launch Services office manager for the MSL Project that successfully landed the MMRTG-powered Curiosity rover on Mars on August 6, 2012. He has won numerous NASA awards including earning NASA's Exceptional Service and Exceptional Achievement Medals.

Inhaltsangabe

Foreward xi

Note from the Series Editor xiii

Preface xv

Authors xix

Reviewers xxi

Acknowledgments xxiii

Glossary xxv

List of Acronyms and Abbreviations xxxiii

1 The History of the Invention of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) for Space Exploration 1
Chadwick D. Barklay

References 5

2 The History of the United States's Flight and Terrestrial RTGs 7
Andrew J. Zillmer

2.1 Flight RTGs 7

2.1.1 SNAP Flight Program 7

2.1.1.1 Snap-3 8

2.1.1.2 Snap-9 8

2.1.1.3 Snap-19 9

2.1.1.4 Snap-27 11

2.1.2 Transit-RTG 13

2.1.3 Multi-Hundred-Watt RTG 13

2.1.4 General Purpose Heat Source RTG 15

2.1.4.1 General Purpose Heat Source 15

2.1.4.2 GPHS-RTG System 16

2.1.5 Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator 17

2.1.6 US Flight RTGs 18

2.2 Unflown Flight RTGs 18

2.2.1.1 Snap-1 18

2.2.1.2 Snap-11 18

2.2.1.3 Snap-13 18

2.2.1.4 Snap-17 22

2.2.1.5 Snap-29 22

2.2.1.6 Selenide Isotope Generator 23

2.2.1.7 Modular Isotopic Thermoelectric Generator 24

2.2.1.8 Modular RTG 24

2.3 Terrestrial RTGs 25

2.3.1 SNAP Terrestrial RTGs 25

2.3.1.1 Snap-7 25

2.3.1.2 Snap-15 26

2.3.1.3 Snap-21 26

2.3.1.4 Snap-23 26

2.3.2 Sentinel 25 and 100 Systems 27

2.3.3 Sentry 28

2.3.4 URIPS-P 1 28

2.3.5 RG-1 29

2.3.6 BUP-500 30

2.3.7 Millibatt-1000 31

2.4 Conclusion 31

References 31

3 US Space Flights Enabled by RTGs 35
Young H. Lee and Brian K. Bairstow

3.1 SNAP-3B Missions (1961) 35

3.1.1 Transit 4A and Transit 4B 35

3.2 SNAP-9A Missions (1963-1964) 36

3.2.1 Transit 5BN-1, 5BN-2, and 5BN-3 36

3.3 SNAP-19 Missions (1968-1975) 38

3.3.1 Nimbus-B and Nimbus III 38

3.3.2 Pioneer 10 and 11 41

3.3.3 Viking 1 and 2 Landers 43

3.4 SNAP-27 Missions (1969-1972) 45

3.4.1 Apollo 12-17 45

3.5 Transit-RTG Mission (1972) 47

3.5.1 TRIAD 47

3.6 MHW-RTG Missions (1976-1977) 48

3.6.1 Lincoln Experimental Satellites 8 and 9 48

3.6.2 Voyager 1 and 2 50

3.7 GPHS-RTG Missions (1989-2006) 52

3.7.1 Galileo 52

3.7.2 Ulysses 53

3.7.3 Cassini 55

3.7.4 New Horizons 57

3.8 MMRTG Missions: (2011-Present (2021)) 59

3.8.1 Curiosity 59

3.8.2 Perseverance 61

3.8.3 Dragonfly-Scheduled Future Mission 62

3.9 Discussion of Flight Frequency 64

3.10 Summary of US Missions Enabled by RTGs 73

References 74

4 Nuclear Systems Used for Space Exploration by Other Countries 77
Christofer E. Whiting

4.1 Soviet Union 77

4.2 China 81

References 82

5 Nuclear Physics, Radioisotope Fuels, and Protective Components 85
Michael B.R. Smith, Emory D. Collins, David W. DePaoli, Nidia C. Gallego, Lawrence H. Heilbronn, Chris L. Jensen, Kaara K. Patton, Glenn R. Romanoski, George B. Ulrich, Robert M. Wham, and Christofer E. Whiting

5.1 Introduction 85

5.2 Introduction to Nuclear Physics 86

5.2.1 The Atom 86

5.2.2 Radioactivity and Decay 88

5.2.3 Emission of Radiation 90

5.2.3.1 Alpha Decay 91

5.2.3.2 Beta Decay 92

5.2.3.3 Photon Emission 92

5.2.3.4 Neutron Emission 93

5.2.3