“Passing this mission milestone means that Dragonfly’s mission design, fabrication, integration and test plans are all approved, and the mission can now turn its attention to the construction of the spacecraft itself.”
Bummer that it doesn’t specify which application of nuclear power, but seeing as I’m forced to guess, I’d surmise they’re using RTG.
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
The spicy rocks get hot and the differential between the hot bit and the cold exterior (and titan is VERY COLD INDEED) “pushes” electrons, to put it as simply as possible.
IF SO, it’s pretty normal for the most part; we’ve been using RTGs for generations. A decent mostly solid-state power supply that, while rather thermally wasteful it’s very reliable.
(there are ways to get more electrical power from the same amount of heat but they’re more complicated and can break more easily)
It’s indeed RTG using Plutonium-238.
Space helicopter?
This is a really cool mission! I’m glad they’re on track, and I hope it will be like the rover and last longer than the years planned.
Very very cool. Excited to see the results!
Nasa probably won’t even exist anymore in 2028
All money will be diverted to Space Force and SpaceX.
Because military. And because Musk needs more money.
It’s too early to say it, and I hope it never comes to pass, but I hope somebody made future contingency plans to transfer this to another country.
