NASA builds nuclear battery, may power spacecraft for 433 years
Technology
NASA is building a nuclear battery that could power spacecraft for an incredible 433 years, outlasting current plutonium-238 systems, which have an 88-year half-life.
This technology is meant for deep space missions, so probes can keep exploring where sunlight is too weak for solar panels.
Battery uses americium-241 and Stirling converters
Created with help from the University of Leicester and US labs like Oak Ridge, the battery uses americium-241 to turn radioactive decay into electricity through durable Stirling converters.
While its starting power is similar to older models, its epic lifespan could let future missions travel farther than ever before, maybe even exploring planets and moons we've only dreamed about.