● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportHigh impact
DARPA develops 30-year nuclear waste batteries for military drones
Key points
- DARPA's SYMPHONEE aims to develop long-lasting radiovoltaic batteries.
- Morgan State University received a $3.37M contract for this project.
- Batteries could power drones for up to 30 years using Strontium-90.
Overview of the SYMPHONEE Project
DARPA's SYMPHONEE initiative seeks to develop a new class of radiovoltaic devices that leverage Strontium-90 harvested from nuclear waste.
These batteries are intended to last as long as 30 years, powering next-generation military drones and autonomous systems in extreme environments.
Funding and Research Partners
Morgan State University was awarded a $3.37 million contract to advance this technology.
The project involves collaboration with teams from Northrop Grumman, PNNL, Project Omega, ARA, and Widetronix, focusing on the design and testing of these power systems.
Application of Radiovoltaic Technology
Historically, radioisotope power sources have been used in low-power applications like smoke detectors and space missions.
The SYMPHONEE project aims to scale this technology for more demanding applications, enhancing power density and operational lifespan.
Future Implications
The development of these long-lasting batteries could revolutionize power systems for drones, especially in challenging terrains or environments.
Successful integration of advanced materials and nuclear science could lead to significant advancements in autonomous operations.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
DARPA's SYMPHONEE project plans to create batteries powered by Strontium-90, potentially lasting 30 years. This initiative aims to enhance power systems for next-gen drones operating in extreme environments.