GPHS-RTG

Name: GPHS-RTG
Brand: NASA

Vendor profile

Overview

The general-purpose heat source radioisotope thermoelectric generator (GPHS-RTG) was specifically designed for US space missions. GPHS-RTG has an overall diameter of 0.422 m and a length of 1.14 m, mass of about 57 kg and is capable of generating around 285 to 300 W at beginning of life (BOL) - assuming 5.2 We/kg and 7.8 kg of Pu-238. Thermal excess heat was approximately 4,400 to 4,500 W.

Overview

Name: GPHS-RTG
Vendor: NASA
Subsystem: Power Subsystem
Component Type: Radioisotope Power System
Form Factor: SmallSat
Heritage: Yes
Average Cost: $65,000,000 to $120,000,000 USD
Fiscal Year: 2020

Vendor Details

Name: NASA
Website: https://www.nasa.gov/
Founded: 1958
Summary: For more than 60 years, NASA has been breaking barriers to achieve the seemingly impossible—from walking on the Moon to pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight farther than ever before. We work in space and around the world in laboratories and wind tunnels, on airfields and in control rooms to explore some of life’s fundamental mysteries: What’s out there in space? How do we get there? And what can we learn that will make life better here on Earth? We are passionate professionals united by a common purpose: to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research. Today, we continue NASA’s legacy of excellence and innovation through an unprecedented array of missions. We are developing the most advanced rockets and spacecraft ever designed, studying the Earth for answers to critical challenges facing our planet, improving the air transportation experience, and so much more.