Global supplies of Plutonium-238 for radioisotope thermoelectric generators are limited
Global supplies of Plutonium-238 for radioisotope thermoelectric generators are historically limited, which has prompted recent efforts to restart and secure domestic production chains for space missions.
The claim is specific and empirically verifiable. Multiple sources explicitly highlight the limited availability and historical shortages of Plutonium-238, as well as current multi-laboratory efforts to establish sustainable production targets to meet NASA's deep-space exploration needs.
Nicholas Russell, R. Howard, Kurt R. Smith. Development of the generation III (ATR generation I) Plutonium-238 production target design.. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110912
This study highlights the ongoing national efforts to establish a domestic supply chain and production targets specifically because Plutonium-238 supplies are limited.
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David Kramer. Shortage of plutonium-238 jeopardizes NASA’s planetary science missions. 2010. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3541938
This report discusses how shortages of Plutonium-238 have historically jeopardized NASA's planetary science missions due to restricted availability.
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