SMRTR Science & EngineeringMay 17, 2026Interesting Engineering

New 250-watt nuclear generator could fuel future NASA Uranus orbiter missions

SMRTR summary

L3Harris has passed a critical design review for a next-generation nuclear generator producing 250 watts of electricity, potentially powering NASA deep-space missions by the early 2030s. The compact system converts plutonium-238 heat into electricity, enabling proposed missions to Uranus, Neptune, and beyond where solar power is too weak.

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