Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators

Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) are devices that generate electrical power from the heat produced by the natural radioactive decay of isotopes, such as plutonium-238. RTGs have been used as power sources in space missions where solar power is not feasible, such as missions to the outer planets and deep space probes. The heat produced by the decay of the isotopes is converted into electricity by thermocouples, which are devices that convert temperature differences into electrical voltage. RTGs are preferred over other power sources in space missions because they are reliable, have a long lifespan, and can operate in harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures and radiation. However, RTGs also pose a risk of radioactive contamination in case of an accident during launch or re-entry.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
  • Satellite-based System: A satellite-based system is a system that uses one or more satellites to provide services or perform a specific function. These systems can be used for communication, navigation, remote sensing, and scientific research. Satellite-based syst ... Read More >>
  • Magnetic Shielding: Magnetic shielding is the practice of reducing the magnetic field in a given space. In space and astronautical engineering, magnetic shielding is used to protect spacecraft and astronauts from the harmful effects of space radiation. Space r ... Read More >>
  • Quaternions: In space and astronautical engineering, quaternions are a mathematical tool used to represent the orientation of a spacecraft or satellite. They are a four-dimensional extension of complex numbers and can be used to avoid the problems of gi ... Read More >>
Top News

Why you shouldn't wait for the Geminid meteor shower peak this year...

The Geminid meteor shower this year is set to peak at almost the same time as December's full moon, which could make for challenging viewing conditions....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-12-06

Crime-solving techniques may have solved medieval art mystery...

A court handwriting expert may have helped reveal true identity of a leading Byzantine painter....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-12-05

Experts believe study of 700-year-old handwriting unveils leading Byzantine pain...

Crime-solving techniques applied to a medieval illuminated manuscript in Paris may have solved a centuries-old puzzle: The true identity of a leading Byzantine painter who injected a human touch into ...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-12-05

Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition: Image of young sharks hunting ...

The dynamics between predator and prey are laid bare in a striking image of fish being attacked by sharks in the shallow waters of the Maldives, which has claimed the top prize in this year’s Royal ...

News Source: CNN on 2024-12-04

Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old canals used to fish by predecessors of an...

Using drones and Google Earth imagery, archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what’s now Belize...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-22