How is nuclear power used in space?

Nuclear power in space is the use of nuclear power in outer space, typically either small fission systems or radioactive decay for electricity or heat. The most common type is a radioisotope thermoelectric generator, which has been used on many space probes and on crewed lunar missions.

Can you use nuclear energy in space?

Nuclear power has a proven track record of safely and reliably powering interplanetary research missions. Radioisotope power systems, called “space batteries” or “plutonium batteries,” are essentially nuclear batteries that reliably convert heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238 into electric power.

What kind of energy does Voyager 2 use?

This energy source is not that of a nuclear reactor, in which atoms are actively broken apart, but rather a kind of nuclear battery that uses natural radioactive decay to produce power. Voyager 2 uses three of these radioisotope thermionic generators.

Why does the Voyager 2 have to be turned off?

Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited all four giant planets, and the only one to have flown past distant Uranus and Neptune. As the electrical power decreases, power loads on the spacecraft must be turned off in order to avoid having demand exceed supply.

Who built Voyager’s nuclear power plant?

Weighing 83 pounds each, the individual units were developed by the Department of Energy, and the radioactive cores were built by the General Electric Company. The units have worked perfectly since Voyager was launched in 1977 and are expected to do so for many years to come as the craft moves beyond the solar system.

What were the main goals of Voyager 1 and 2?

Goals: Voyager 1 and 2 were designed to take advantage of a rare planetary alignment to explore the outer solar system. Voyager 1 targeted Jupiter and Saturn before continuing on to chart the far edges of our solar system. Voyager 2 targeted Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune before joining its sister probe on their interstellar mission.