Integrating Stirling converters on deep space probes holds the potential to significantly lessen dependence on solar energy, a crucial factor in far-flung missions.

China’s Shenzhou-15 astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station achieved a breakthrough by successfully testing a free-piston Stirling engine. This marks a first for China in validating this technology in space. The engine, also being explored by NASA, holds promise as a reliable backup power source for future deep space exploration endeavors.

Stirling Engine Gains Traction: Tested by China’s Space Station Crew

Stirling engines offer a revolutionary approach to space power generation. This technology excels at converting heat into electricity, allowing spacecraft to lessen their dependence on solar energy. The core principle involves a piston driven by heat, causing back-and-forth motion within a helium gas chamber. This movement, in turn, drives a magnet through a coil, generating electricity.

China’s space program has seen impressive progress recently. A private company, Space Pioneer, made history last week with the world’s first ever orbital launch by a startup on its maiden attempt. Additionally, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) successfully completed its Tiangong space station and achieved another milestone last year – the first-ever direct detection of water on the lunar surface by their Chang’e-5 lunar probe.

While not currently pursuing Stirling converters, NASA has explored this technology in the past. Their efforts included the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) project, which concluded in 2013.

Breakthrough on Tiangong: Chinese Astronauts Test Pioneering Space Engine

To evaluate the performance of Stirling converter technology, prototypes were integrated into the equipment bay of the Mengtian laboratory module onboard China’s space station.

According to China Global Television Network (CGTN), the device functioned flawlessly throughout the experiment, exceeding performance expectations. However, specific data regarding the converter’s output remains undisclosed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA).