Objective This project aims to propose an optimised design for Radioisotopic Thermal Generators, which are key components for the space exploration. The proposed target is 1W/kg in the range of >1W generators.The research activities:The research activities have to tackle the optimisation of the fuel and the radiations protection, the materials, the conversion, the operating temperature and the structure (separable option). Moreover, for this kind of generators, the confinement of the nuclear material is a critical issue. The behaviour of the system under normal and accidental conditions has to be assessed and leads the design. For that a theoretical approach by modelling is proposed.Furthermore, the project takes in consideration the operation constraints of the generator in terms of interfaces with the spacecraft and safety rules.Finally, the project will propose a design of a RTG complying with the requirements. The programme includes the design documentation for mock-ups and tests programme.Project Organisation:The project is scheduled on 24 months and gathers experts from 3 NIS teams and 3 INTAS teams. This collaboration involves experienced Scientifics and Engineers in the complementary fields of RTG developments, materials, thermo-analysis, thermo-electrics, aerodynamics, spacecraft power systems, nuclear engineering and safety. The involved organisations are:- FSUE "KRASNAYA ZVEZDA" (RED STAR),- CSJC RIE "BIAPOS",- Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (ITAM)- Alcatel ETCA,- Ecole des Mines de Nancy,- TECHNICATOME as coordinator.Application field:The results of the project could find near term applications in the frame of the Mars exploration missions. Indeed such radioisotopic devices are necessary to power probes and rovers on the Martian surface. Programme(s) IC-INTAS - International Association for the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the independent states of the former Soviet Union (INTAS), 1993- Topic(s) CNES - CNES Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator TECHNICATOME EU contribution No data Address Cen Cadarache 13115 Saint Paul lez Durances France See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (5) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all ALCATEL ETCA Belgium EU contribution No data Address RUE CHAPELLE BEAUSSART, 101 MONT-SUR-MARCHIENNE See on map Total cost No data CJSC RIE Biapos Russia EU contribution No data Address Leninsky prospect 38-6 117334 Moscow See on map Total cost No data FSUE KRASNAYA ZVEZDA Russia EU contribution No data Address ELEKTROLITNYI PROEZD, 1A MOSCOW See on map Total cost No data Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Russia EU contribution No data Address Institutskaya str. 4/1 630090 Novosibirsk See on map Total cost No data Solid state physics Institut National Polytechnique de Lorraine France EU contribution No data Address Parc de Saurupt 54042 Nancy Cedex See on map Total cost No data