So it has high energy density but low power output, which is logical because it takes decades to discharge compared to hours for lithium. I guess it’s limited to embedded systems.
Also, don’t satellites use something like this? (apart from solar power)
Yeah, some use RTGs, radioisotope thermoelectric generators. A lot of the outer solar system probes like the Pioneers and Voyagers and New Horizons used them because solar power is impractical so far from the sun. The Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars also use RTGs to trickle-charge their main batteries.
There’s also a new mission that will be launched in a few years to Saturn’s moon Titan using an RTG. An uncrewed vehicle called Dragonfly. It’s a large quadcopter - a first in planetary exploration. Titan is a unique world and probably the best in the solar system for powered flight. The atmosphere is slightly thicker than Earth’s, but the gravity is lower, making drone copters not just practical but better-performing than on Earth. This flying probe will hop from location to location on short flights, then use the RTG to trickle-charge the flight batteries while landed and doing science.
the nuclear power sources that spacecraft use are RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators), which generate electricity from the waste heat of absorbed nuclear decay radiation. compared to these batteries they’re much bulkier and have shorter lifespans but much higher power output.
So it has high energy density but low power output, which is logical because it takes decades to discharge compared to hours for lithium. I guess it’s limited to embedded systems.
Also, don’t satellites use something like this? (apart from solar power)
Yeah, some use RTGs, radioisotope thermoelectric generators. A lot of the outer solar system probes like the Pioneers and Voyagers and New Horizons used them because solar power is impractical so far from the sun. The Curiosity and Perseverance rovers on Mars also use RTGs to trickle-charge their main batteries.
There’s also a new mission that will be launched in a few years to Saturn’s moon Titan using an RTG. An uncrewed vehicle called Dragonfly. It’s a large quadcopter - a first in planetary exploration. Titan is a unique world and probably the best in the solar system for powered flight. The atmosphere is slightly thicker than Earth’s, but the gravity is lower, making drone copters not just practical but better-performing than on Earth. This flying probe will hop from location to location on short flights, then use the RTG to trickle-charge the flight batteries while landed and doing science.
yes some spacecraft use a similar power source.
the nuclear power sources that spacecraft use are RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators), which generate electricity from the waste heat of absorbed nuclear decay radiation. compared to these batteries they’re much bulkier and have shorter lifespans but much higher power output.