RTGs: The nuclear heart that runs spacecraft far beyond the sun’s reach
SMRTR summary
Radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) are nuclear batteries that power spacecraft far from the Sun where solar panels are ineffective. Using plutonium-238, RTGs generate electricity from radioactive decay heat via the Seebeck effect. This technology has enabled legendary missions like Voyager, Cassini, and Mars rovers to operate for decades in deep space. While some worry about safety, RTGs are designed with robust containment and remain crucial for exploring the outer solar system and hostile planetary environments.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Interesting Engineering.
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