I think RTG stands for "Radioactive Thermal Generation" or something like that.
It is a hunk of plutonium that, on its own, glows at a high temperature.
Since the temperature of space is near absolute zero, there is a large temperature difference.
A relatively simple, dependable thermocouple generates electrical power from this temperature difference,
making a really long-lasting, dependable battery -- but not of the sort you want in your kid's toys :-)
-----Original Message-----
From: cctalk-admin_at_classiccmp.org [mailto:cctalk-admin_at_classiccmp.org]On
Behalf Of chris
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 10:25 AM
To: Classic Computer
Subject: Re: OT: Voyager watts
>In the
>case of a Voyager-class probe, with RTG-sourced power,
For the few of us on the list that are idiots (ok, fine, just for me
then), what is RTG sourced power?
-chris
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Received on Mon May 12 2003 - 12:56:00 BST