DARPA program to make 30 yr batteries for drones from nuclear waste

4 hours ago

DARPA's 'Rads to Watts' program aims to develop lightweight batteries using nuclear waste that could last decades.
A $3.37 million contract funds a proof-of-concept device targeting over 10 watts per kilogram and years of shelf life.
Project Omega, part of the program, creates radioisotope power sources converting radiation directly into electricity.
Multiple organizations are involved, with a goal to produce a working prototype by early 2027 at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
The technology targets applications like drones and satellites, where battery failure is critical, and works in extreme temperatures.
The power cells use Strontinum-90 from nuclear waste, which is less hazardous than Plutonium-238 used in similar systems.
Key challenges include improving energy conversion efficiency, validating long-term reliability, and ensuring safe deployment.

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