RTG
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) is a type of electrical power source that uses radioactive decay to generate electricity. RTGs have been used in many space missions, including the Voyager, Pioneer, and Mars rover missions. They are particularly useful for missions that require long-lasting power sources, such as those that travel far from the sun or operate in environments with low solar energy. RTGs work by converting the heat generated by the decay of radioactive isotopes, such as plutonium-238, into electricity using thermocouples. The heat is produced by the decay of the isotopes and is not generated by a chemical reaction. This means that RTGs can provide a constant source of power for many years without the need for refueling or maintenance.
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