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Alpha/Betavoltaic Power Sources

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

NASA OCT requested researchers at GRC and ARC to assess the potential of small power supplies based on direct conversion of energy from radioisotope sources for future NASA Missions.

Benefits

Potential of small radioisotope sourcess as amplifying and or enabling technology for power source

Details

Technology areaAerospace Power and Energy Storage > Power Management and Distribution > Electrical Power Conversion and Regulation
ProgramSmall Spacecraft Technology (SST)
Lead organizationAmes Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Start date2011-08-01
End date2012-03-01

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.