Stored Chemical Energy Power Systems (SCEPS) have been used in U.S. Navy torpedos for decades. The Penn State Applied Research Lab proposes to continue the study of applying this robust, high-energy-density concept to exploration missions that can't be powered by sunlight. Plutonium could be used, but its scarcity leaves many targets unexplored. In the NIAC Phase II study we will mature the Venus mission studied in Phase I and expand understanding of SCEPS for other targets. Testing will be done to determine SCEPS performance using CO2 as an oxidizer (Venus' atmosphere), and the Venus mission key risk areas addressed. Venus science goals will be revisited to prepare the Venus concept for the next level of study. Also, we will engage with the leaders in science planning for small bodies (asteroids and comets), outer planets (Jupiter's and Saturn's moons), and robotic missions to our own Moon and make a determination of the first, most high-impact use of SCEPS in space.
More »We see an opportunity to expand our understanding of the impact that SCEPS could have on solar system exploration. The hot, sunless environment of Venus may indeed be explored through the use of SCEPS for energy storage and power generation, but many cold, sunless or sun-poor regions may also benefit. Sending a self-contained (no in situ resource utilization) SCEPS system to power a lander on the airless, icy surface of Europa or the exotic lakes or dunes of Titan may return substantial science that would be otherwise left unknown, or at least greatly delayed as the community works to solve the Plutonium-availability problem. Though there is work to be done to learn if SCEPS can be used to serve exploration systems, the impact of successful scaling would be profound. In Phase II we seek to expand the understanding of how best to target this technology and plan a path for development.
More »Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (Penn State) | Lead Organization | Academia | University Park, Pennsylvania |