RTG Q&A

• RTG Q&A by guckyfan on 30 Apr, 2014 08:27
• 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
• #1 by Jim on 30 Apr, 2014 13:40
• Quote from: guckyfan on 30 Apr, 2014 08:27

  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.   
• #2 by IslandPlaya on 07 May, 2014 14:48
• Could this material be important for improved spacecraft RTG's?
  http://phys.org/news/2014-05-high-efficiency-thermoelectric-material.html
• #3 by baldusi on 07 May, 2014 15:58
• 
  

  Quote from: Jim on 30 Apr, 2014 13:40

  Quote from: guckyfan on 30 Apr, 2014 08:27

  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?
• #4 by Jim on 07 May, 2014 15:58
• Quote from: baldusi on 07 May, 2014 15:58

  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