Tile-Shaped RTG Spacecraft for Long-Duration Orbital Maneuvering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spacecraft designs using solar power and propulsion systems are too heavy for long-duration, high-mobility missions, limiting their ability to perform multiple orbit adjustments and requiring large, cumbersome components that increase mass and reduce maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

A compact, tile-shaped spacecraft powered by a radioisotope power source and equipped with an electric propulsion system, allowing for independent navigation and operation in environments without sunlight, with a lightweight design that includes attitude control, communication, and navigation capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If conventional solar power and propulsion systems are used, then the spacecraft can operate in sunlight, but the spacecraft becomes too heavy for long-duration, high-mobility missions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacecraft massVSAvoidmission duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional solar power systems with a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) that uses nuclear decay to generate electricity. This substitution eliminates the need for large solar arrays and batteries, significantly reducing spacecraft mass while enabling long-duration missions independent of sunlight availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power generation method from solar radiation-based to radioisotope decay-based, fundamentally altering how the spacecraft obtains energy. This parameter change enables the spacecraft to operate indefinitely without sunlight while maintaining a lightweight design suitable for high-mobility missions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If solar arrays and batteries are used to provide continuous power, then the spacecraft can operate without sunlight, but the spacecraft mass increases and mobility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in darknessVSAvoidspacecraft mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical systems of solar arrays and batteries with a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. The RTG directly converts nuclear decay heat to electricity, eliminating the need for storage batteries and large solar collectors, thus enabling dark-orbit operation without increasing mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If larger propulsion systems are used to increase mobility, then the spacecraft can perform more orbit adjustments, but the spacecraft mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidspacecraft mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional chemical propulsion with electric propulsion systems powered by the RTG. This allows for high-thrust, low-mass propulsion designs that can perform multiple orbit adjustments and maneuvers without carrying large amounts of propellant, as the electric motors can be activated as needed during the mission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the spacecraft is designed for high mobility and multiple orbit adjustments, then the spacecraft can perform complex maneuvers, but the propulsion system becomes larger and heavier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of orbit adjustmentsVSAvoidpropulsion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a modular propulsion architecture where multiple independent electric propulsion units can be activated as needed. Each unit is lightweight and can be controlled independently, allowing the spacecraft to perform multiple orbit adjustments without requiring a single large, complex propulsion system. The RTG provides distributed power to multiple propulsion modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables long-duration missions with high mobility, enabling precise positioning and multiple orbit adjustments, reducing the risk of collision, and providing continuous power and heat without the need for batteries or solar arrays, thus extending mission longevity and enhancing maneuverability.

Implementation Method 1

A compact, tile-shaped spacecraft powered by a radioisotope power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Implementation Method 2

equipped with an electric propulsion system, allowing for independent navigation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propulsion: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS12492017B2Independent non-solar powered exploratory craft for orbital rendezvous and positioning framework

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

An isotope power source configured to act as a vehicle includes a plurality of radioisotope power sources encased around one or more elements therein to form a tile-shaped spacecraft.