Radioisotope power system for vehicle

A radioisotope power system, comprising:

• a radioisotope power unit that emits a plurality of radiation particles and is configured to directly or indirectly provide power, propulsion, or both power and propulsion of a vehicle;
• and
• a radiation shield configured to block a first radiation particle of the plurality of radiation particles, wherein the radiation shield comprises an ejectable shield, the ejectable shield being selectively removable;
• an extendable boom configured to be stored in a collapsed state and configured to increase a first distance between radiation-sensitive components and the radioisotope power unit when extended, wherein the radioisotope power unit includes a radioisotope battery and the radioisotope battery is located on an opposing end of the extendable boom from the radiation-sensitive components;
• and
• a shadow shield positioned between the radioisotope battery and the extendable boom,
• wherein the ejectable shield surrounds at least a portion of the shadow shield, and
• wherein the shadow shield is configured to remain coupled to the radioisotope power system when the ejectable shield is removed.