Leicester’s Rocket-Proof ‘Space Battery’ Clears Crucial Test for Future Missions

16th Jul 2024

Scientists from the University of Leicester and its Space Park Leicester are developing radioisotope power technologies and have now successfully tested their innovative Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) in a vibration test campaign. The main goal of the test is to check RTG’s resilience for the rocket launch environment. The test is considered a complete success.

“Space battery” Success

The RTG test included extreme vibration levels exceeding 24 g (Sine testing) and 12 Grms (Random testing). The RTG was shaken vertically up and down and side-to-side for over two minutes to mimic the forces and accelerations experienced during the launch into space.

Lunar Polar Explorer Rover concept with hybrid power system architecture (solar arrays + RTG). The RTG at the back of the rover is coupled to the thermal bus for extended exploration of permanently shadowed regions and night-time survival on the lunar surface. Credit: ESA

What is an RTG?

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator uses heat from the decay of a radioactive isotope plutonium-238, in the form of plutonium oxide, to generate electricity. Like nuclear reactors, they generate electricity from nuclear energy, but they do not use a chain reaction.

This type of generator has no moving parts. It is perfect for deployment in remote and harsh environments (such as spacecraft) for extended periods with no risk of malfunctioning. RTGs have been used as power sources in satellites and space probes.

The RTG was invented in 1954 by American scientists Kenneth C. Jordan and John Birden and the first RTG launched into space SNAP 3B in 1961. As part of a European Space Agency (ESA) development programme, the Space Nuclear Power group at the University of Leicester has been developing radioisotope power systems for over a decade. The significant progress in this direction cannot be overstated.

“This is a testament to the depth of technical capability of the radioisotope power systems team. The University of Leicester also would like to thank both the European Space Agency and UK Space Agency for their continued support and also credit the excellent ESA ENDURE and UK Space Agency’s exploration teams who have been supporting this programme,” – said Professor Richard Ambrosi, Executive Director of Space Park Leicester and project lead.