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

L3Harris says its Next Gen RTG has passed critical design review, clearing a major milestone toward manufacturing.

The 250-watt nuclear generator is designed to power spacecraft on cold, distant missions beyond Mars where solar energy is too weak.

The system could help enable long-duration exploration of the outer solar system, including Uranus, Neptune, Triton, and other targets.