March 28, 2025
Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Started development to achieve practical application of semipermanent thermoelectric generator employing Americium
— Effectively utilizing pyrogenic radioactive waste for compact generator working over 100 years without maintenance —
- [Summary of announcement]
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- Deep space probe or lunar probe during the long night requires a thermoelectric generator working maintenance-free for long periods (i.e., a semipermanent generator) instead of solar power generator.
- Therefore, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) have advanced basic studies and problem-solving for realizing semipermanent generator by sealing Americium, a pyrogenic radioactive isotope, to make a heater unit, and combining that with a thermoelectric conversion device.
- A development project proposed by the JAEA in collaboration with AIST was adopted for “Elemental technology for semipermanent generator,” a technology development theme of the Space Strategy Fund Project solicited by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which conducts space development. Through this project, we will commence full-scale development toward practical application, aiming for fabrication of a prototype by the beginning of 2029.
- This technology is not limited to use in space. It is also expected to see use in locations that people cannot easily approach such as polar regions and the deep oceans.
