NASA Announces New Nuclear Fuel More Powerful Than Plutonium
Energy generation for deep space missions where sunlight is insufficient is a critical issue for space agencies. NASA announced the development of a longer-lasting and more efficient nuclear fuel that can be used instead of plutonium-238, taking one of its biggest steps in this area. The new fuel, americium-241, stands out as a more sustainable power source, particularly for exploration missions to distant planets. Used in conjunction with the next-generation Stirling generators, this fuel is expected to expand humanity’s space capabilities.
NASA Expands Deep Space Targets with New Fuel
Americium-241 has a much longer half-life than plutonium-238. This half-life of 432 years means it can provide uninterrupted power for future space missions for decades. The system, developed at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, was tested in collaboration with the University of Leicester in England. These tests highlighted the reliability and longevity of Stirling generators.
Unlike traditional engines, the new generator system does not use a crankshaft or rotating bearings. Instead, it operates on floating pistons, minimizing mechanical wear and requiring maintenance for decades. Furthermore, because the generator is designed as a dual-module system, if one unit fails, the other can continue its mission. This provides a vital advantage, especially for distant planetary missions.
NASA is targeting the use of americium-241 not only for robotic exploration but also for future human missions. These systems could play a significant role, especially in the perpetually shadowed regions of the Moon or the icy moons of Jupiter. It was also stated that new testing phases will be initiated to ensure that these new generators are lighter, more resistant to environmental conditions, and more efficient.
This technology, which the European Space Agency (ESA) has been developing for years, is now yielding concrete results in collaboration with NASA. Americium-241’s affordability and ease of production make it a serious alternative to plutonium. The new system is not only suitable for scientific discoveries; It can also be the primary power source for lunar bases or human settlements that could be established on other planets.
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