This session explores the ongoing evolution and critical testing of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) that are essential for long-duration space missions. Attendees will dive deep into the legacy and recent refurbishment of the General-Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) RTG Flight Unit 5, including its thermal vacuum testing and power performance predictions. Additionally, presentations will cover the current development status of the Next Generation RTG Mod 1, offering a comprehensive look at both our historical engineering foundations and future power systems.

Papers

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A Historical Review of the GPHS F5 RTG

10:10–10:30AM EDT

Boyd Allen Tolson (Univ. Dayton Research Institute), Kenton Sherick (Univ. Dayton Research Institute), Chadwick Barklay (Univ. Dayton Research Institute)

Paper

General-Purpose Heat Source Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Flight Unit 5 Refurbished (GPHS-RTG F5R) Electrically Heated Thermal Vacuum Testing

10:30–10:50AM EDT

Joseph Giglio (INL), Brandon Horkley (INL), Jaymon Birch (INL), Shad Davis (INL)

Paper

General-Purpose Heat Source Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Flight Unit 5 Refurbished (GPHS-RTG F5R) Power Prediction

10:50–11:10AM EDT

Joseph Giglio (INL)

Paper

The Next Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Mod 1 Development Status

11:10–11:30AM EDT

Jaymon C. Birch (INL), Shad E. Davis (INL), Joe Giglio (INL), T. Quinn Kirkham (INL)

Paper