Radioisotope
A radioisotope is an isotope of an element that emits radiation due to its unstable atomic nucleus. Radioisotopes have a wide range of applications in space and astronautical engineering, including power sources for spacecraft, radiography, and radiation therapy. One of the most common radioisotopes used in space missions is plutonium-238, which is used as a power source for deep space probes and rovers. Radioisotopes are also used in radiography to inspect the integrity of spacecraft components and structures. In addition, radioisotopes have been used in radiation therapy to treat cancer in space missions, as well as on Earth.
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