As technology develops we no longer need to send people up into space to collect samples and data to further our knowledge. Scientist can now use radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) to power the things they send into space. RTG’s generate power by using the heat from plutonium. Typically RTG’s can create about 300 watts of electricity and will last many years. In fact, Voyager 1 launched in 1977 and at the edge of the solar system about 9 billion miles away from the sun, is still transmitting data. Besides voyager 1 RTG’s have powered 24 US space missions safely including Apollo Lunar Surface Experimental Packages, Pioneer 10 and 11. RTG’s are essential for space exploration that is far from the sun and can't use solar power.
How does it Work?
The electrical power is created by converting the heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238 (Pu-238) fuel into electricity using devices called thermocouples.You can see thermocouples in everyday things as well such as air conditioners and refrigerators. Thermocouples work by is two plates that are made of different metals each conducting electricity. When these plates are connected, each at a different temperature, to form a full circuit, an electric current is produced. Each of these pairs of junctions form one thermocouple. In RTG’s the radioisotope fuel heats one of thee junctions while the one connected to it remains unheated and is cooled by the space environment.
https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/rps/rtg.cfm
This is really cool! I always wondered how the old space crafts were able to stay out for so long, considering a modern smartphone has more computing/tech in it than their old shuttles. Though this seems nice and all, what do you think of using this as a power source? Like for civilians or for cities (rather not have radioactive elements in my house) to act as an alternative energy source?
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