Development of new high temperature power generating couples for the Advanced Thermoelectric Converter (ATEC)

Abstract

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) have served as a reliable source of space power for decades, enabling robotic spacecraft to explore regions of the Solar System where photovoltaic systems are impractical. The increased power requirements for future missions, combined with the reduced availability of radioisotope fuel, has prompted the development of a higher specific power, higher efficiency converter system employing thermocouples with advanced thermoelectric materials. The challenges in incorporating these advanced materials into power generating thermocouples suitable for operation in a space-rated RTG are discussed herein.