Space Nuclear Power (RTG and Nuclear Electric)
CNNC Space (China National Nuclear Corp Space)
CNNC Space Division's radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) and nuclear electric propulsion research for Chinese deep-space exploration missions.
Technical specifications
- Technology
- RTGs (radioisotope thermoelectric generators), RHUs, nuclear electric propulsion research
- Applications
- Deep-space probes, lunar night survival, future crewed lunar base power
- Chinese heritage
- RHU units on Chang'e-4 and Chang'e-5 lunar missions
- Future goal
- Kilowatt-class fission power for 2030s lunar base and Mars missions
- Organization
- China National Nuclear Corporation (state-owned, Beijing)
About
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC, 中国核工业集团有限公司) is China’s primary state-owned nuclear energy company, with a space division engaged in developing nuclear power systems for space exploration and military satellite applications. Nuclear power is essential for deep-space missions (beyond the asteroid belt, where solar power is insufficient) and for long-duration power supply in permanently shadowed lunar craters.
CNNC’s space nuclear power development includes radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) using plutonium-238 or other radioisotopes, and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) research for future interplanetary spacecraft. China used a miniaturized nuclear battery (RHU, Radioisotope Heating Unit) on the Chang’e-4 and Chang’e-5 lunar missions for thermal control of surface equipment during the lunar night.
China’s ambitions for crewed lunar bases and Mars exploration in the 2030–2040 timeframe require kilowatt-class nuclear fission power systems (similar to NASA’s Kilopower/KRUSTY program). CNNC Space is developing the engineering basis for such systems. CNNC also provides radioisotope power for some classified satellite programs, where long orbital life without solar arrays is operationally advantageous.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.