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NASA NTRS · 20260002550

Technology Demonstrator of an Americium-Fuelled Radioisotope Stirling Generator

Hannah Sargeant·Salvatore Oriti·Kris Bell·Rob Tute·Ramy Mesalam·Ernestina Wozniak·Matthew Stang·Ronald Leibach·Tony Crawford·Alessandra Barco·Emily Jane Watkinson·Richard Ambrosi
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Abstract

Americium-241 is used as the fuel of choice in European Radioisotope Power Systems. The University of Leicester have developed a number of systems using this fuel type, including a 200 Wth heat source. To maximise the electrical output that can be generated from the heat source, the University of Leicester and NASA Glenn Research Center have collaborated on a radioisotope Stirling generator concept, building on the long heritage of dynamic power conversion developments at NASA GRC. Here we present the design of a technology demonstrator of the Americium-fuelled Radioisotope Stirling Generator (Am-RSG).

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Americium-241Stirling Dynamic GeneratorSpacePowerPropulsionRadioisotopeLunar Rover

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Hannah Sargeant, Salvatore Oriti, Kris Bell, Rob Tute, Ramy Mesalam, Ernestina Wozniak, Matthew Stang, Ronald Leibach, Tony Crawford, Alessandra Barco, Emily Jane Watkinson, Richard Ambrosi. Technology Demonstrator of an Americium-Fuelled Radioisotope Stirling Generator. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20260002550

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