---
title: Americium Battery
type: technology
url: "https://www.envisioning.com/research/atmos/americium-battery"
hub: atmos
summary: Nuclear battery using americium-241 for decades-long space missions beyond solar reach
---

# Americium Battery

Nuclear battery using americium-241 for decades-long space missions beyond solar reach
- Technology Readiness Level: 4/9
- Impact: 4/5
- Investment: 3/5
Americium batteries use americium-241—a byproduct of nuclear fuel reprocessing—as a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) fuel. Americium has a half-life of 432 years, far longer than plutonium-238, potentially enabling multi-decade missions. The UK Space Agency and European Space Agency are developing americium-based RTGs for deep-space and lunar missions. Working prototypes are estimated 5–10 years from deployment (as of 2019). Applications include spacecraft power for missions beyond solar panel viability and long-duration landers or rovers.

Deep-space missions require power where solar is inadequate. Plutonium-238 RTGs have powered Voyager, Curiosity, and Perseverance; plutonium supply is constrained. Americium offers an alternative fuel with longer half-life and UK/European production capability. Challenges include thermoelectric conversion efficiency, safety and licensing, and cost. Americium batteries represent a long-term option for space power; commercialization is limited to space applications.

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Source: Envisioning — Technology Research Institute (https://www.envisioning.com/research/atmos/americium-battery)