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General Discussion => Q&A Section => Topic started by: guckyfan on 04/30/2014 08:27 am

Title: RTG Q&A
Post by: guckyfan on 04/30/2014 08:27 am
This question is about launching probes with RTG. I understand the only vehicle presently certified for launching RTGs is the Atlas V. What are the requirements? Would a man rated vehicle fulfill those requirements or are there others particular to launching RTG?

Thanks
Title: Re: RTG Q&A
Post by: Jim on 04/30/2014 01:40 pm
Quote from: guckyfan on 04/30/2014 08:27 am
This question is about launching probes with RTG. I understand the only vehicle presently certified for launching RTGs is the Atlas V. What are the requirements? Would a man rated vehicle fulfill those requirements or are there others particular to launching RTG?

Thanks

There are other considerations, like understanding the vehicle fireball, pressure waves, breakup.  A more detailed FMEA.   
Title: Re: RTG Q&A
Post by: IslandPlaya on 05/07/2014 02:48 pm
Could this material be important for improved spacecraft RTG's?
http://phys.org/news/2014-05-high-efficiency-thermoelectric-material.html (http://phys.org/news/2014-05-high-efficiency-thermoelectric-material.html)
Title: Re: RTG Q&A
Post by: baldusi on 05/07/2014 03:58 pm

Quote from: Jim on 04/30/2014 01:40 pm
Quote from: guckyfan on 04/30/2014 08:27 am
This question is about launching probes with RTG. I understand the only vehicle presently certified for launching RTGs is the Atlas V. What are the requirements? Would a man rated vehicle fulfill those requirements or are there others particular to launching RTG?

Thanks

There are other considerations, like understanding the vehicle fireball, pressure waves, breakup.  A more detailed FMEA.
Does this analysis has to be done for each RTG+Spacecraft+LV+trajectory combo?
Wasn't Delta II nuclear rated? Was ever Shuttle?
Title: Re: RTG Q&A
Post by: Jim on 05/07/2014 03:58 pm
Quote from: baldusi on 05/07/2014 03:58 pm
Does this analysis has to be done for each RTG+Spacecraft+LV+trajectory combo?
Wasn't Delta II nuclear rated? Was ever Shuttle?

yes,
no,
yes