Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators, or
RTGs, provide electricity to the atmosphere by converting
heat generated by the decomposition of plutonium-238
(Pu-238) gas into electricity using devices called
thermocouples. Since they do not have moving parts that
can be damaged or worn out, RTGs have historically been
considered the most reliable electrical power.
Thermocouples have been used in RTGs for a combined
period of more than 300 years, and not a single
thermocouple has stopped producing energy. The purpose
of this research is to study the radioisotope energy
generation and power systems. Study power generation
capacity and efficiency when compared to nuclear fission
and solar arrays. To learn about Electric Ion propulsion
drive and its power consumption. To get the energy
needed for future Manned and unmanned space missions
or interplanetary space explorations. Merits and demerits
of Radioisotope Power Systems in the context of power
supplying capacity and electric power needed for future
explorations. It is found that RPS and RTG are capable of
generating energy for a long time but cannot generate
high levels of energy i.e. RTG generates only 100-400 KW
of electrical power whereas Nuclear fission generates
fairly high levels of energy by splitting neutron from
atoms. It is expected that energy needed for manned space
missions are in tens of megawatts. On comparing
Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) with the nuclear
fission and solar arrays power generation, It seems that
having Nuclear reactor with the spacecraft could be the
first step towards the Megawatt energy generation for
Space explorations
Keywords : Thermoelectric Generation, Radioisotope, Power Systems, Thermal Energy, Nuclear Fuel, Alpha Particles, Nuclear fission, solar arrays, Electric Ion Propulsion Drive