Radioactive Space Heat Shield Thickness Modelling

Pioneering clean energy solutions with a breakthrough project for space exploration, South Australian tech company entX Limited has launched its pilot project – aiming to generate long-lasting power from beta radiation, specifically designed to support systems in space. The radioisotope heating unit is a key innovation for the project that ensures lunar electronics remain functional during the moon’s freezing nights, where temperatures plummet to -270°C.

Optimising efficiency and safety, WGA partnered with entX’s subject matter experts to develop a proof-of-concept modelling framework. This framework enhances the heating unit for weight, radiation shielding, and heat generation. Using black-box optimization techniques, the team tackled the challenge without the need for derivative-based methods. The solution leverages cloud computing, allowing multiple high-powered systems to run in parallel, slashing computational time and boosting efficiency.

entX’s innovative solution addresses a critical need for durable, lightweight heating systems in extreme environments like space. By enhancing the radioisotope shield to minimise mass while ensuring effective radiation protection, the project not only saves on payload costs (which range between $2000/kg and $5000/kg) but also enhances system reliability during lunar missions. entX’s collaboration with WGA ensured a cutting-edge, client-focused solution with real-world impact.