Boeing To Build Space-borne Power Generator
ST. LOUIS, July 1, 2003 – Boeing [NYSE:BA] has been named by the Department
of Energy (DOE) to lead in the creation of a next-generation power system
for future Mars surface missions and the exploration of deep space.
Boeing Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power in Canoga Park, Calif., is teamed
with Teledyne Energy Systems, Inc. to develop, qualify, and deliver
electrical power generation systems for interplanetary missions and probes.
The new compact power system, a multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric
generator (MMRTG), will provide unique in-space and planetary surface power
capability.
The announcement follows the successful launch of the Boeing Delta II,
powered by the Rocketdyne RS-27A engine, which sent Mars Exploration Rovers
A, otherwise known as “Unity”, on its way to the red planet.
Missions already targeted to use the new power system are the Mars Science
Laboratory, a mobile laboratory rover that will be sent to the Red Planet in
2009; an Outer Planets Probe set for launch in 2011; and the Mars Sample
Return mission, planned for launch in 2013.
The MMRTG will supply electric power for mobility, data acquisition, and
communication. It will have a 14-year design life, including three years on
the surface of Mars.
A flight version would be capable of generating power levels of about 110
watts by using a radioisotope heat source to drive thermoelectric power
converters to create electric power.
An MMRTG-powered rover will be able to land and go anywhere on the surface
of Mars, from the polar caps to deep, dark canyons, and will safely provide
full power during night and day under all types of environmental conditions.
“This next-generation MMRTG technology will be based on a proven heritage
design that has been demonstrated by earlier efforts on the surface of Mars
and in deep space,” said Rich Rovang, program manager for the MMRTG team.
“All of the Viking and Pioneer spacecrafts used Teledyne RTG design
technologies,” he said. “The RTG on Pioneer 10 operated over 30 years and
over seven billion miles from Earth.”
Boeing Rocketdyne’s Power Systems group will lead the project and perform
systems integration for a prototype system that would employ a non-nuclear
heat source for local testing and systems demonstrations. For its part,
Teledyne Energy Systems will supply a new series of thermoelectric
generators and related technologies. Fueling and final testing of the
qualification and flight units will be performed by the DOE.
Boeing Rocketdyne is also working several related technology contracts that
will eventually lead to even higher power and more efficient systems to
enable future deep space propulsion systems. Implementation of these
advanced propulsion systems could dramatically shorten the times required to
visit planets and their moons and enable future missions to explore multiple
destinations in a single voyage. These technologies are part of NASA’s
Project Prometheus, which seeks to create new, more capable power and
propulsion systems.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world
‘s largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing
Integrated Defense Systems is a $25 billion business. It provides systems
solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is
a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the
world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world’s largest
satellite manufacturer and leading provider of space-based communications;
the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA’s largest
contractor; and a global leader of launch services.
