Multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) program overview

Future NASA missions require safe, reliable, long-lived power systems for surface exploration of planetary bodies such as Mars as well as exploration of the solar system in the vacuum of space beyond Earth orbit. To address this need, the Department of Energy and NASA have initiated the development of radioisotope power systems, including the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG). In June of 2003, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded the MMRTG system design, development, test and integration contract to a team led by the Boeing Company's Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power Division. Boeing and Teledyne Energy Systems collaborated on an MMRTG design concept based on heritage, SNAP 19, thermoelectric converter design utilized by Teledyne for previous space exploration missions. Boeing subsequently awarded a major subcontract to Teledyne Energy Systems to design and produce the thermoelectric converter system for the MMRTG. The MMRTG is designed to operate on planetary bodies as well as in the vacuum of space. At beginning of mission, the MMRTG is designed to generate a minimum of 110 Watts of power at 28 volts DC, and to have a design life of at least 14 years. The power level was selected to afford the capabilities of meeting the potential needs of a wider variety of planetary lander and deep space missions. Potential mission concepts that could benefit from use of the MMRTG include a Titan Biological Explorer - with both a balloon mission and a rover mission, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), with a follow-on Astrobiology Field Laboratory mission and finally a Neptune/Triton Orbiter mission.