Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) have been the main power source for US space work since 1961. In addition, it follows legal, scientific and technical developments relating to space activities, technology and applications in order to provide technical information and advice to Member States, international organizations and other United Nations offices. * UNOOSA has the dual objective of supporting the intergovernmental discussions in the Committee and its Scientific and Technical Subcommittee (S&T) and Legal Subcommittee, and of assisting developing countries in using space technology for development. UNOOSA recognises “that for some missions in outer space nuclear power sources are particularly suited or even essential owing to their compactness, long life and other attributes” and “that the use of nuclear power sources in outer space should focus on those applications which take advantage of the particular properties of nuclear power sources.” It has adopted a set of principles applicable “to nuclear power sources in outer space devoted to the generation of electric power on board space objects for non-propulsive purposes,” including both radioisotope systems and fission reactors. The United Nations has an Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)* which implements decisions of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) set up in 1959 and now with 71 member states. Above that, fission systems are much more cost effective than RTGs. RTGs are used when spacecraft require less than 100 kW.

With the use of RTGs, the power generated cannot be varied or shut down so supplementary batteries need to be taken into account for the peak times. The power depends on the initial amount of the radioisotope used as fuel and the power is provided by converting the heat generated by radioactive decay of the radioisotope into electricity using thermocouples. Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) are an alternative source of power where a chain reaction does not take place. With the use of neutron absorbers, the rate of reaction is controlled, so the power depending on the demand. Nuclear power reactors use controlled nuclear fission in a chain reaction. Plutonium-238 is a vital power source for deep space missions.

Nuclear fission reactors for space have been used mainly by Russia, but new and more powerful designs are under development in both the USA and Russia.Radioisotope power sources have been an important source of energy in space since 1961.Nuclear Reactors and Radioisotopes for Space

Nuclearcraft fission reactor power out