File:New Horizons Radioisotope thermoelectric generator(RTG) diagram.svg
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Summary
[edit]DescriptionNew Horizons Radioisotope thermoelectric generator(RTG) diagram.svg |
English: A diagram of the RTG used on the New Horizons Spacecraft.
NASA description: First, the plutonium dioxide fuel contained in an RTG is a specially formulated fire-resistant ceramic that is manufactured as pellets to reduce the possibility of fuel dispersion in a launch or reentry accident. This ceramic form resists dissolution in water and reacts little with other chemicals. If fractured, the ceramic tends to break into relatively large particles and chunks that pose fewer hazards than small, microscopic particles. Second, the fuel in each RTG is divided among 18 small, independent modular units, each with its own heat shield and impact shell. This design reduces the chances of fuel release in an accident because all modules would not be equally impacted in an accident. Multiple layers of protective materials, including iridium capsules and high-strength graphite blocks, protect and contain the fuel and reduce the chance of release of the plutonium dioxide. Iridium, a strong, ductile, corrosion-resistant metal with a very high melting temperature, encases each fuel pellet. Impact shells made of lightweight and highly heat-resistant graphite provide additional protection. |
Date | |
Source | New Horizons Launch Press Kit p37 local copy |
Author | NASA |
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Licensing
[edit]Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse |
This file is in the public domain in the United States because it was solely created by NASA. NASA copyright policy states that "NASA material is not protected by copyright unless noted". (See Template:PD-USGov, NASA copyright policy page or JPL Image Use Policy.) | ||
Warnings:
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Annotations InfoField | This image is annotated: View the annotations at Commons |
Thermocouple
Multi-Foil insulation
Cooling tube
Aluminum outer shell
Plutonium-238 Dioxide Heat source divided into 18 modular, independent containers.
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current | 20:38, 22 December 2010 | 393 × 139 (366 KB) | Smallman12q (talk | contribs) | {{Information |Description={{en|1=A diagram of the RTG used on the New Horizons Spacecraft. NASA description: First, the plutonium dioxide fuel contained in an RTG is a specially formulated fire-resistant ceramic that is manufactured as pellets to reduce |
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