Radioactive Isotope
A radioactive isotope is an atom that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it decays to a more stable form. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, radioactive isotopes are used as power sources for spacecraft and satellites. Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) use the heat generated by the decay of radioactive isotopes to produce electricity. RTGs have been used in many space missions, including the Voyager, Pioneer, and Mars rover missions. Radioactive isotopes are also used in nuclear propulsion systems, such as the proposed Project Orion spacecraft, which would have used nuclear explosions to propel the spacecraft. However, the use of radioactive isotopes in space also poses potential hazards, such as contamination of the environment in the event of a launch failure or re-entry accident.
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