Advanced Technology Heat to Electricity Nuclear Alternatives (ATHENA)
Abstract
The Advanced Technology Heat to Electricity Nuclear Alternatives (ATHENA) program is an experimental program to determine if it is possible to provide electrical power for military missions with very high energy density and power density, at a scale where nuclear reactors are unworkable, where combustion is infeasible, and where solar power is impractical, for space, maritime, and ground applications. The program pursues advancements in radioisotope technology, which has essentially stagnated for fifty years. Specifically, the program seeks to identify and develop radioisotopes that better capture DoD requirements by providing improved power density and allow safer, more convenient handling, explore better and more efficient electricity conversion technology than thermocouples, and to develop an operations framework leading to a solution that is capable of deployment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 86e754151a6c062e6a8524fac0f45480