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Generator keeping the new Mars rover warm has a Dayton history Thomas Gnau © Provided by Dayton Daily News University of Dayton Research Institute scientists and engineers Chadwick Barklay, left, Daniel Kramer and Richard Harris observe a Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator that converts the heat from the natural decay of a plutonium-238 dioxide to electricity through solid-state thermoelectric couples. FILE Dayton is not just the birthplace of aviation. You might think of it also as the home of deep space power generation. The power generator keeping the ne...

From Dayton to Mars: University of Dayton researchers helped NASA plan Perseverance mission As the Perseverance rover descended to the surface of Mars just before 4 p.m. Feb. 18, University of Dayton Research Institute scientist Chad Barklay closely watched NASA’s live feed of its Joint Propulsion Lab control room, listening for touchdown confirmation. Exactly four years prior, Barklay and UDRI colleague and engineer Allan Tolson were also closely watching as they essentially cooked a generator similar to the one that will power the Mars 2020 rover, heating it up to temperatures never befor...