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