Global first test success for a University of Leicester–NASA space power system
Selection of the NASA Glenn and University of Leicester team members involved in the Am-RSG benchtop demonstrator study. (Credit: NASA GRC)
A spacecraft power system that combines the technological know-how of engineers and scientists at the University of Leicester and NASA Glenn has passed its first test with flying colours.
In late 2024, the University signed an International Space Act Agreement with NASA to enable collaborative use of engineering design and laboratory resources at NASA Glenn, and the teams proceeded to test a revolutionary innovation that can positively impact space exploration.
The two groups are collaborating on a project to combine electrically-heated simulators of americium heat sources developed at the University, with Stirling power convertor technologies from NASA Glenn. The pairing builds on the development of radioisotope power systems at the University, which has been in progress for over a decade and funded by the European Space Agency’s ENDURE programme.
The heat sources being developed by the University are powered by americium-241, which is an alternative to the plutonium-238 heat sources that have historically been flown in space.
Together, the teams collaborated on a practical demonstration of a bench-top generator prototype, using electrically-heated replicas of an americium heat source and Advanced Stirling Convertors. The successful completion of the test campaign was a significant achievement for the teams. This is a global first demonstration of how an americium heat source can be used to drive multiple Stirling engines to generate electrical power.
This successful test also reinforces the University’s multi-decadal leadership in radioisotope power systems and philosophy of building international collaboration. This positive outcome places the team at the forefront of world-wide use of americium-fuelled space nuclear power systems.
These systems could be used to power future space missions into new frontiers by converting heat from americium-241 heat sources into electricity via Stirling convertors.
Dr Hannah Sargeant, research fellow in the Space Nuclear Power team at Space Park Leicester, the University of Leicester’s £100 million science and innovation park, said: “A particular highlight of this design is that it is capable of withstanding a failed Stirling convertor without a loss of electrical power. This feature was demonstrated successfully in the test campaign, and highlights the robustness and reliability of an Americium-Radioisotope Stirling Generator for potential future spaceflight missions, including long duration missions that could operate for many decades. Our hardware forward approach with rapid iteration cycles continues to deliver positive and exciting outcomes.”
Funding for this activity was provided by the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund and NASA’s Radioisotope Power System Program.