Nuclear thermoelectric power units in Russia, USA and European space agency research programs

The paper discusses the role and the significance of the radionuclide thermoelectric generators in space power researches while using them as reliable long-life service autonomous sources of power and heat supply. There are considered approaches connected with the RTG design and the provision them with the radiation safety in the standard and emergency situations. This paper gives the main characteristics of basic RTGs which were used in USA and Russia space programs. The prospects of the use of RTG in future USA, Russia and ESA space programs are shown.