Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) jointly developed Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs)

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in collaboration with the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) 2 research organisation of India had jointly developed Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs) with the purpose of decreasing the constraints of conventional chemical engines. Conventional chemical engines had limits to fuel capacity and solar power generation over long distances, whereas this collaboration is focussing on utilising the decay heat of radioactive materials like plutonium-238 or strontium-90.

Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs)

Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs) explained

Component	Function
Radioisotope Heater Unit (RHU)	Generates heat through radioactive decay, releasing thermal energy. Initiates the heat-to-electricity conversion process.
RTG (Heat-to-Electricity Conversion)	Converts heat generated by RHU into usable electricity. Utilizes a thermocouple to generate a voltage from a temperature gradient.
Batteries	Converts heat generated by RHU into usable electricity. Utilizes a thermocouple to generate a voltage from temperature gradient.

Compared to a conventional engine, RTGs are not dependent on factors like solar proximity or planetary alignments, due to which it is used in US spacecraft like Voyager, Cassini, and Curiosity etc, thus providing a consistent and reliable source of power, essential for sustaining prolonged deep space missions. RTGs utilize radioactive materials, such as Plutonium-238 or Strontium-90, which emit heat as they decay over time where heat is harnessed and converted into electricity.

Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs) News

Who developed a nuclear engine for rockets named Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs)?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) developed a nuclear engine for rockets named Radio thermoelectric generators (RTGs)