Spacecraft Power Systems

Spacecraft power systems provide the energy needed for all onboard operations, such as communication, navigation, and scientific instruments. They typically rely on solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in batteries for use when the spacecraft is in the shadow of a planet or during eclipses. Some missions, especially those far from the Sun, may use radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that convert heat from radioactive decay into electricity. These systems are designed to be reliable over long durations, maintaining a constant power supply critical to mission success in the harsh environment of space.