NASA Develops Long-Lasting Nuclear Batteries for Centuries-Long Space Missions
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Rude Baguette
NASA is researching americium-241 as a new isotope for nuclear batteries to power spacecraft for centuries, potentially enabling longer and more distant space missions beyond current capabilities that rely on plutonium-238. This development involves testing advanced conversion systems like Stirling engines to harness the isotope's long half-life, promising a new era of sustainable deep space exploration.
