RTEG will have less mass than solar cells of equivalent power and allow more compact spacecraft that can navigate easier in space.
Editorial Staff
ISRO Plans New Propulsion For Deep Space Missions MUMBAI : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is exploring the possibility of developing a new propulsion technology to fuel spacecraft for its future deep space missions. On January 28, ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bangalore issued an invitation for ‘expression of interest’ for “design and modelling; simulation and analysis; testing and qualification of 100W Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTEG) without radio isotope.’’ ISRO calls it alpha source thermoelectric propulsion technology. RTEG will have less mass than solar cells of equivalent power and allow more compact spacecraft that can navigate easier in space. Many missions of Nasa and Russia, Besides China’s 2013 Chang’e 3 mission to the moon and its rover Yutu had used RTG. Former ISRO chairman AS Kiran Kumar said RTEG is futuristic. “It will be useful for long duration missions where alternative energy is not available,” he said. After another Mars mission, ISRO could be eyeing Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus. Ac…
