The Technology of Discovery

The Technology of Discovery

by David Friedrich Woerner
Released March 2023
Publisher(s): Wiley
ISBN: 9781119811367

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Book description

The Technology of Discovery

Incisive discussions of a critical mission-enabling technology for deep space missions

In The Technology of Discovery: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators and Thermoelectric Technologies for Space Exploration, distinguished JPL engineer and manager David Woerner delivers an insightful discussion of how radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are used in the exploration of space. It also explores their history, function, their market potential, and the governmental forces that drive their production and design. Finally, it presents key technologies incorporated in RTGs and their potential for future missions and design innovation.

The author provides a clear and understandable treatment of the subject, ranging from straightforward overviews of the technology to complex discussions of the field of thermoelectrics. Included is also background on NASA’s decision to resurrect the GPHS-RTG and discussion of the future of commercialization of nuclear space missions. Readers will also find:

  • A thorough introduction to RTGs, as well as their invention, history, and evolution
  • Comprehensive explorations of the contributions made by RTGs to US space exploration
  • Practical discussions of the evolution, selection, and production of RPS fuels
  • In-depth examinations of technologies and generators currently in development, including skutterudite thermoelectrics for an enhanced MMRTG

Perfect for space explorers, aerospace engineers, managers, and scientists, The Technology of Discovery will also earn a place in the libraries of NASA archivists and other historians.

Table of contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Foreward
  5. Note From the Series Editor
  6. Preface
  7. Authors
  8. Reviewers
  9. Acknowledgments
  10. Glossary
  11. List of Acronyms and Abbreviations
  12. 1 The History of the Invention of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) for Space Exploration
    1. References
  13. 2 The History of the United States’s Flight and Terrestrial RTGs
    1. 2.1 Flight RTGS
    2. 2.2 Unflown Flight RTGs
    3. 2.3 Terrestrial RTGs
    4. 2.4 Conclusion
    5. References
  14. 3 US Space Flights Enabled by RTGs
    1. 3.1 SNAP‐3B Missions (1961)
    2. 3.2 SNAP‐9A Missions (1963–1964)
    3. 3.3 SNAP‐19 Missions (1968–1975)
    4. 3.4 SNAP‐27 Missions (1969–1972)
    5. 3.5 Transit‐RTG Mission (1972)
    6. 3.6 MHW‐RTG Missions (1976–1977)
    7. 3.7 GPHS‐RTG Missions (1989–2006)
    8. 3.8 MMRTG Missions: (2011‐Present (2021))
    9. 3.9 Discussion of Flight Frequency
    10. 3.10 Summary of US Missions Enabled by RTGs
    11. References
  15. 4 Nuclear Systems Used for Space Exploration by Other Countries
    1. 4.1 Soviet Union1
    2. 4.2 China
    3. References
  16. 5 Nuclear Physics, Radioisotope Fuels, and Protective Components
    1. 5.1 Introduction
    2. 5.2 Introduction to Nuclear Physics
    3. 5.3 Historic Radioisotope Fuels
    4. 5.4 Producing Modern PuO2
    5. 5.5 Fuel, cladding, and encapsulations for modern
    6. 5.6 Summary
    7. References
  17. 6 A Primer on the Underlying Physics in Thermoelectrics
    1. 6.1 Underlying Physics in Thermoelectric Materials
    2. 6.2 Thermoelectric Theories and Limitations
    3. 6.3 Thermal Conductivity and Phonon Scattering
    4. References
  18. 7 End‐to‐End Assembly and Pre‐flight Operations for RTGs
    1. 7.1 GPHS Assembly
    2. 7.2 RTG Fueling and Testing
    3. 7.3 RTG Delivery, Spacecraft Checkout, and RTG Integration for Flight
    4. References
  19. 8 Lifetime Performance of Spaceborne RTGs
    1. 8.1 Introduction
    2. 8.2 History of RTG Performance at a Glance
    3. 8.3 RTG Performance by Generator Type
    4. References
  20. 9 Modern Analysis Tools and Techniques for RTGs
    1. 9.1 Analytical Tools for Evaluating Performance Degradation and Extrapolating Future Power
    2. 9.2 Effects of Thermal Inventory on Lifetime Performance
    3. 9.3 (Design) Life Performance Prediction
    4. 9.4 Radioisotope Power System Dose Estimation Tool (RPS‐DET)
    5. References
  21. 10 Advanced US RTG Technologies in Development
    1. 10.1 Introduction
    2. 10.2 Skutterudite‐based Thermoelectric Converter Technology for a Potential MMRTG Retrofit
    3. 10.3 Next Generation RTG Technology Evolution
    4. 10.4 Considerations for Emerging Commercial RTG Concepts
    5. References
  22. Index
  23. End User License Agreement

Product information

  • Title: The Technology of Discovery
  • Author(s): David Friedrich Woerner
  • Release date: March 2023
  • Publisher(s): Wiley
  • ISBN: 9781119811367