Until now, it had only been theorized. But now, for the first time in the world, scientists have demonstrated the practical feasibility of generating electricity by combining two very rare technologies: the thermoacoustic engine, which is a machine that converts the heat of nuclear fuel into sound in space, and a generator that converts sound into electricity. A frontier solution made in Latvia opens the door to a new type of power generation technique that can be used for extreme long-range space missions or in places on Earth where it is not possible or very expensive to provide electricity.

The Institute of Physics of the University of Latvia, as reported by the broadcaster LSM, has named the prototype SpaceTRIPS (Space Thermoacoustic Radio-Isotopic Power System). Funded by the EU, it was initiated to develop an all-European radioisotope generation technology.

The advantage of this technology is that it has no moving parts. The only thing that moves is the liquid metal, which therefore requires no maintenance, which is essential for space missions that last decades.

The new radioisotope generation system converts geothermal or waste heat into electricity efficiently and cost-effectively, and its future is also linked to ground-based situations, in places where there is no energy infrastructure: here the heat could be generated by solar collectors, which would also make the process more sustainable.

The technology has already attracted the interest of the European Space Agency: the success of the results obtained would ensure the independence of the EU space industry.