Chapter 1: The Current State of Space Energy

In the realm of space exploration, NASA has achieved remarkable feats over the years. However, it may come as a surprise that the nuclear fuel powering missions like Curiosity, Perseverance, Cassini, and New Horizons was sourced from Russia. This gives Putin a significant monopoly over this crucial resource, effectively allowing him to exert control over high-stakes space missions. Fortunately, a groundbreaking nuclear battery is on the horizon, which promises to diminish Putin's influence while providing a more efficient energy solution and heralding a new chapter in space exploration. But how does this innovative technology function?

All the aforementioned NASA missions utilized Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) as their power source. RTGs operate by using a piece of nuclear fuel that generates heat through radioactive decay to produce energy. Depending on the type of fuel used, RTGs can deliver a stable and dependable energy supply for decades while remaining lightweight. This makes them indispensable for powering rovers and deep-space operations.

The most widely used nuclear fuel for RTGs is plutonium-238, known for its half-life of 87.7 years. This characteristic allows it to self-generate heat and supply energy for extended periods. It is also highly energy-dense and produces minimal penetrating radiation, such as gamma rays or neutrons. As a result, Pu-238 RTGs can be compact and lightweight, requiring only a small amount of fuel and limited radiation shielding.

However, plutonium is not naturally occurring and cannot be obtained through nuclear reactors. The only source is through synthesizing nuclear waste, a lengthy and costly process. This high expense led the U.S. to cease the production of plutonium-238 in 1988, leaving Russia as the sole manufacturer. Consequently, every NASA mission utilizing an RTG since 1993 has depended on Russian plutonium-238, allowing Putin to maintain a dominant position in the Western nuclear sector.

Despite attempts in 2009 by the Obama administration, NASA, and the Department of Energy to regain control over space missions by restarting U.S. plutonium-238 production, Congress rejected their proposal due to prohibitive costs.

Now, an alternative fuel for RTGs is emerging that could be even more advantageous: americium-241. This isotope, commonly found in smoke detectors as a neutron source, can generate sufficient radiation to self-heat and power an RTG when concentrated. Unlike plutonium-238, americium-241 is produced by all nuclear reactors in a remarkably pure form, making it more affordable and abundant. With a half-life exceeding 400 years, americium can power an RTG for centuries, ideal for deep-space missions or long-term space infrastructure like lunar bases.

However, transitioning from a plutonium to an americium core is not straightforward. Americium is only a quarter as energy-dense as plutonium and produces significantly more penetrating radiation. This necessitates a completely redesigned RTG to shield crew members and sensitive equipment from radiation while keeping the RTG's weight manageable. Space missions have strict weight limits, so a power source must be lightweight to fit within the rocket's capacity.

Since 2009, the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) has been at the forefront of developing a space-grade americium RTG. In 2019, they became one of the first to successfully produce energy from an americium RTG, prompting the UK government to invest £19 million in their efforts. This funding is now being utilized to establish a new facility aimed at further developing americium RTG technology and preparing for future manufacturing.

In the coming years, if successful, NNL could supply americium RTGs to NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and even private space initiatives like SpaceX’s upcoming Mars mission. Achieving this milestone would dismantle Putin's RTG monopoly.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored how deeply intertwined our lives are with Putin’s control over various resources, from natural gas to nuclear energy and even space missions. Yet, the geopolitical ramifications of this war have accelerated the global push for innovative technologies that can replace reliance on Russian supplies. From unprecedented adoption of solar energy to France’s decision to expand its nuclear enrichment capabilities, and now the UK’s advancements in independent RTG technology, the world is moving towards a brighter future by breaking free from Putin's grasp.

The first video, "The Nuclear Option: Deciphering Russia's New Space Threat," explores the implications of Russia's control over nuclear fuel and its impact on space exploration.

The second video, "Russia's nuclear threat in space is 'incredibly destabilizing,' says Evelyn Farkas," discusses the geopolitical ramifications of Russia's nuclear capabilities and their destabilizing effects on international relations.

Chapter 2: The Future of Space Energy

As we advance towards a new era of space exploration, it is crucial to explore alternatives to traditional energy sources that have historically placed power in the hands of a few. The developments in americium RTG technology represent a significant step forward in making space missions more secure and independent from geopolitical tensions.