Advanced Radioisotope Thermoelectric Space Power System

A radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) using curium-242 as fuel, developed as an alternate power supply, has been shown to be compatible with the Atlas-Centaur and Surveyor requirements. This power supply provides a relatively low weight and highly reliable system capable of producing 25 watts output under lunar conditions for a mission life of 120 days. The system is unique in that it utilizes a thermal control system that maintains a relatively constant thermal input to the energy conversion components.

Major program effort was focused on nuclear safety, thermoelectric generator development, converter development, and system qualification tests.