NASA Backs Utah Research into High-Efficiency Nuclear Power for Deep Space

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The University of Utah has received NASA backing to develop a new power system called the Plasmon-Enhanced Radioisotope Thermophotovoltaic (PRTPV) generator. The technology is designed to outperform existing Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) currently used on deep-space missions. The proposed system targets a specific power output of 17 W/kg and a thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency exceeding 40%. These figures would represent a significant leap over the performance of conventional RTG technology. The advancement could make the PRTPV generator a viable power source for future interstellar missions.

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