How Nuclear Powers Space Exploration

Space explorations cannot rely on solar power alone. Especially when it comes to the far reaches of our solar system, the Sun's rays become so diminished that solar panels are highly impractical. The answer? Nuclear! Nasa, in particular, has been using Plutonium to power rovers, and space probes for over 50 years, via cleaver little units called RTGs. However, The US has essentially run out of its plutonium stockpiles, causing difficulties for future missions. Enter Americium. Americium, is now being developed as an alternative to plutonium. It's availability, especially in Europe, maybe able to take the place of, or at least support plutonium use in future missions. We speak to Chris Whiting, Technology Managers at Nasa's Glenn Research Center and Visit Space Park in Leicester, where we speak to Dr Ramy Mesalam, who heads up Perpetual Atomics, at the University of Leicester. Sponsor: Learn more about Lockheed Martin: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/capabilities/space/human-space-exploration/water-based-lunar-architecture.html?utm_source=interesting-engineering&utm_medium=digitial&utm_campaign=2025 Instagram, @lockheedmartinspace Facebook, @lockheedmartin Join our YouTube channel by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3asNo2n Find us on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3PM21xW Find us on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3t2Huvb Find us on Twitter: https://bit.ly/3wQfXzA Find us on TikTok: https://bit.ly/3wNsBOu Get the latest stories: https://interestingengineering.com/ Support IE for high-quality journalism: https://interestingengineering.com/subscribe Voice Over: Ash Steel Producer: Richard Dimery Editor: Richard Dimery Animator: Yazan al Sayed Writer: Rob McKenzie