← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Active TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 5)
A long-standing goal of the planetary science community—to place a network of distributed science instruments on the surface of Mars—is now within reach, thanks to a new small-scale radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) design. This technology, which is being developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, can provide both heat and power for small impactor probes, enabling them to collect atmospheric and geophysical data over vast regions and multiple Martian seasons.
The new power source is being designed to be highly durable and to withstand a hard landing on the Martian surface. It can be fueled with either plutonium-238 (Pu-238) from the U.S. Department of Energy or americium-241 (Am-241), a radioisotope which will become increasingly available from commercial sources in the coming years. The small RTG will deliver more than 60 watts of thermal power and approximately 3 watts of electrical power, enough to keep the payload alive and operate the scientific instruments, electronics, and a transmitter for up to 10 years.
This innovation is also made possible by new approaches to entry, descent, and landing, including the use of additively manufactured, crushable materials that absorb impact forces. These distributed Mars instruments are vital for surveying future human landing sites, as the probes can be equipped with sensors to measure temperature, radiation levels, dust, and wind velocity—all vital data for ensuring astronaut safety.
This development will make available a new class of radioisotope power sources to enable small yet impactful science payloads for Mars, the Moon and other planetary bodies. The source will provide both electrical power to drive instruments and other critical electronics, as well as thermal power to maintain payloads at allowable flight temperatures with less burden on electrical heaters. This will also serve as means to infuse commercially available radioisotopes into future NASA missions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.