Glossary of Space Exploration Terminology

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Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
Radioisotope thermoelectric generator
A device that converts the heat produced by the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 into electricity by an array of thermocouples made of silicon-germanium junctions. The Pu-238 is contained within a crash resistant housing.

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Rocketry & Space Technology

Glossary courtesy of Robert Braeunig's
Rocketry & Space Technology website.