NASA's multi-function radioisotope thermal batteries are mostly used in deep-space detectors such as the New Horizons (Pluto), Travelers, Apollo Project, Curiosity Rover, and Ba-238 nuclear fuel cells, using isotope-dependent thermoelectric conversion to generate electricity. , Life expectancy lasts for several decades. In the United States in 1988, the production of plutonium-238 was stopped and the supply of nuclear fuel was in short supply. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy decided to resume production of plutonium-238 used in radioisotope thermal power systems (RTGs) in the United States. To support NASA's further deep space mission needs in the future.
Through the efforts of domestic innovative methods, the supply of scarce thorium-238 materials seems to have been restored. According to a memorandum sent by James Green, NASA's NASA Director of Planetary Science, NASA decided to release the radioisotope thermal power supply for space exploration projects. The system's 钚-238 restriction ban means that NASA will be able to manufacture more radioisotope thermal batteries using 钚-238 materials as nuclear fuel, including the 2018 Opportunity Rover Exploration Program. The Department of Energy will also fully explore NASA's space. Radioisotope nuclear fuel production of project turns on green light.
