NASA's Innovative Solutions for Space Challenges

NASA's Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) program, which began in 2010 with the goal of developing next-generation power systems for spacecraft, has failed to produce a viable new RPS technology since its inception, according to a report by the Space Administration's Office of the Inspector General. The report highlights a lack of clear resource allocation strategy and optimistic assumptions about the maturity of its technology, leading to the cancellation of two projects. The report also notes that the Department of Energy is not producing enough fuel, making it difficult to plan and propose new RPS-powered missions. The OIG has proposed nine recommendations for NASA leadership to address these issues.