On May 16, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced the use of a groundbreaking nuclear power device in an upcoming Mars exploration mission. This device will utilize the radioactive decay of plutonium for component heating within the spacecraft.
ESA also revealed details of the agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States, outlining NASA's role in this long-delayed mission. The mission will see the launch of Europe's first Mars rover named Rosalind Franklin.
According to Nature, the device harnessing heat from the decay of radioactive elements is known as Radioisotope Heating Units (RHUs). It enables the spacecraft to operate without relying on solar panels for power generation. ESA has traditionally depended on American or Russian partners for RHUs using plutonium-238. However, since 2009, ESA has been developing plans to manufacture its own RHUs and provide battery power.
In this Mars mission, RHUs are used to heat components of the lander platform. This platform will deploy the rover onto the Martian surface, providing power until the rover leaves the platform and opens its solar panels. Orson Sutherland, head of ESA's Mars exploration team, stated that extending the lander's lifespan can offer timely support in case of issues with the rover.
ESA's RHUs are not only Europe's first but also the world's first to use a heating device powered by the decay product of plutonium - mendelevium-241. Although mendelevium-241 has lower power per gram compared to plutonium-238, it is more abundant and cost-effective. This means that even though RHUs may require more isotopes to operate, their overall cost remains low.
However, due to the radioactive nature of the device, certification is required before launch. The development team is currently working to ensure compliance with launch safety requirements by 2028.
The aforementioned research and development tasks are part of the European ENDURE program. By the end of this century, ENDURE aims to develop mendelevium batteries that not only provide heat but also power for spacecraft, supporting ESA's series of lunar missions in the early 2030s.
It is noted that EU member states initially agreed in 2005 to embark on a Mars exploration program to launch a rover and explore potential traces of life on Mars. However, the launch schedule of the Mars rover has faced delays and setbacks due to various factors.
