NASA tests world’s first nuclear space power generator that runs on 5x cheaper fuel

Scientists from the University of Leicester and NASA are developing a new nuclear power system for space using americium-241 heat sources. They successfully demonstrated a prototype that combines electrically-heated americium simulators with NASA's power converter technology. This system could provide reliable electricity for future long-duration space missions and habitats, potentially enabling human expansion in the solar system. The americium-based system is cheaper than traditional plutonium-238 sources and can withstand converter failures without losing power.