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NASA has marked the 60th anniversary of the launch into space of its first nuclear-powered satellite. Transit IV-A - an experimental navigational satellite with a radioisotope-powered generator - was launched by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory from Cape Canaveral on 29 June 1961, and NASA has since flown more than 25 missions carrying a nuclear power system.
- Source: World Nuclear News
- Date: Thursday, 01 July 2021
- Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/NASA-marks-60-years-of-nuclear-power-in-space
The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on 30 July launched the Perseverance Mars from Cape Canaveral in Florida. The rover is expected to land on Mars in February 2021. It will be powered by a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG) developed at the Department of Energy's (DOE’s) Idaho National Laboratory (INL). NASA said the rover, was powered by the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 541 rocket. ULA is the only space launch provider certified to handle Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), according to ULA president and CEO, Tory Bruno. NASA certifies the rocket, but NASA and DOE together certify the provider to carry a nuclear payload, he explained.
- Source: NEI Magazine
- Date: Tuesday, 04 August 2020
- Original article: neimagazine.com/news/newsnasas-new-mars-rover-powered-by-rtgs-8059097
On 21 July, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon. During the brief few hours he and Buzz Aldrin spent on the surface they deployed a suite of scientific experiments, some of which would depend on radioisotope heaters to protect them from the harsh lunar night. Dr Jonathan Cobb, senior communication manager at World Nuclear Association, describes nuclear technology's role in the historic event.
- Source: World Nuclear News
- Date: Thursday, 18 July 2019
- Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Nuclears-small-role-in-humanitys-biggest-adventu