RTGs
RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators) are devices that generate electrical power from the heat produced by the natural decay of radioactive isotopes. They are commonly used in space missions where solar power is not feasible, such as missions to the outer planets or deep space. RTGs have no moving parts and can operate for decades, making them a reliable power source for long-duration missions. The heat produced by the decay of the isotopes is converted into electricity by thermocouples, which are made of two different metals that generate a voltage when heated. The most commonly used isotope in RTGs is plutonium-238, which has a half-life of 87.7 years and produces a high amount of heat. RTGs have been used in many space missions, including the Voyager, Pioneer, and Mars rover missions.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Geiger-Muller Tubes: Geiger-Muller Tubes are radiation detectors used in space and astronautical engineering to measure ionizing radiation. They consist of a cylindrical metal tube filled with a low-pressure gas such as helium, neon, or argon. The tube has a th ... Read More >>
- Strength: In the context of space and astronautical engineering, strength refers to the ability of a material or structure to withstand the extreme conditions of spaceflight. These conditions include high levels of radiation, extreme temperatures, an ... Read More >>
- Gamma-ray Telescopes: Gamma-ray telescopes are instruments designed to detect and image high-energy gamma rays emitted by celestial objects such as pulsars, supernovae, and black holes. These telescopes use a variety of techniques to detect gamma rays, including ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06