Objective
Lunar colonization and exploitation, being the aim of project Artemis, requires reliable energy production, which is possible by the radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). RTG units contain a radioisotope heat source coupled with thermoelectric modules (TEM) which convert the produced heat into electricity. The power output of the RTG is fixed by design and it cannot dynamically change. However, the dynamic and interconnected environment of a human colony, which involves life support, scientific research, resource mining, manufacturing, and exploration activities, would benefit from a flexible and integrable RTG, which can employ active and passive cooling functionalities, participate in the systems’ heat exchange, and incorporate different radioisotopes. Beyond system flexibility, the developed RTG must be able to withstand the extreme environmental challenges imposed by the extended diurnal day-night circle of the lunar surface. The excessive solar exposure during the lunar day can overheat an exposed RTG and cause irreversible damage. To address these challenges, this project defines three distinct objectives. The first aims to establish a research framework which combines 3D multi-physics (thermal, thermoelectric and mechanical analyses) simulations to evaluate the RTG behaviour with 1D multi-parametric investigations for rapid optimisation. In the second objective, the developed tools will be used to conceptually design a flexible RTG which can be safely and reliably employed on the lunar surface. To further establish it as a key component of the lunar infrastructure, its components should be manufactured locally through an in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) scheme. Thus, in the third objective, a metric system will be produced to identify ISRU-suitable RTG and TEM components. The produced results will be key to advance the RTG technology, inspire innovation in RTG and TEM manufacturing, and advance DLR, ESA and Europe in the field of space exploration.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
51147 KOLN
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.