NASA Trials a Long-Lasting Atomic Power Source with a Lifespan of 433 Years

In a significant development, the production process for the radioactive isotope Americium-241 is undergoing improvements at Los Alamos National Laboratory, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and safety for future space missions.

Meanwhile, outside New York City, writer Elizabeth Rayne resides with her pet parrot, Lestat. Rayne's work, which has been published in various publications such as Popular Mechanics, Ars Technica, SYFY WIRE, Space.com, Live Science, Den of Geek, Forbidden Futures, and Collective Tales, often delves into the realms of science and technology. When she's not busy crafting engaging articles, Rayne enjoys drawing, playing the piano, and, interestingly, shapeshifting.

The potential of Americium-241 as a power source for space missions is being explored, particularly in conjunction with the free-piston Stirling convertor. This innovative technology allows pistons to float within the engine, enabling maintenance-free operation. A notable example of this can be seen in a convertor at NASA's Glenn Research Center, which has been operational for an impressive 14 years as of 2020.

NASA and the University of Leicester are collaborating on the development of batteries powered by Americium-241 for future missions. The Idaho National Laboratory in the United States is spearheading this development.

The use of radioisotope power systems (RPS) in space missions is not new, with NASA employing them since the early 1960s. These systems, which use unstable forms of elements like Plutonium-238 to generate heat and power batteries, have been instrumental in powering iconic missions such as Voyagers, New Horizons, Curiosity, Perseverance, and Dragonfly.

Interestingly, Plutonium-238, with a half-life of nearly 88 years, is being overshadowed by Americium-241, which boasts a longer half-life of almost 433 years. Production of Plutonium-238 resumed in 2011 after a 30-year hiatus, with facilities such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory now producing it.

The Voyagers, still heading further away from the Solar System, powered by RPS, serve as a testament to the effectiveness of these power sources. Their continued operation offers a compelling case for the use of RPS in future missions, with Americium-241 potentially taking centre stage.

NASA's Glenn Research Center and the University of Leicester have agreed to test-drive Americium-241 for use in upcoming missions, marking a significant step forward in space mission power technology.