Advanced Power Source Technology of Deep Space Exploration

Advanced power supply technology is the prerequisite for deep space exploration mission. Based on the requirements of power supply system of China’s follow-up deep space exploration missions, such as the explorations of polar region of Lunar, small celestial bodies, Mars, Jupiter, and so on, the advanced power source technologies for deep space exploration are reviewed, including the chemical battery, solar cell, radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) and space nuclear reactor power. According to the requirements of power supply system of deep space exploration, the remarkable feature, brief history, application limits and development proposals of Lithium ions battery, solar cell, Pu-238 RTG and space nuclear reactor power are presented, and focusing on the analysis of the key technology, practical application, application prospects of Pu-238 RTG and space nuclear reactor power, providing a reference for long-term development of  advanced power source technology of deep space exploration.