RTG
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Astronomy & Space
| Stands for | Radioisotope thermoelectric generator |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
RTG stands for Radioisotope thermoelectric generator, an astronomy & Space abbreviation.
Power source that converts heat from the radioactive decay of plutonium-238 into electricity using thermocouples, with no moving parts. RTGs power spacecraft too far from the Sun or in too dusty a place for solar panels, such as Voyager, Cassini, New Horizons and the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers.
Example: Voyager 1's RTGs, launched in 1977, still supply a dwindling amount of power.
Usage notes
RTGs exploit the Seebeck effect, in which a temperature difference across two different conductors generates voltage. Output declines slowly as the plutonium decays, with a half-life of 87.7 years, and as thermocouples degrade. The Soviet Union also used RTGs to power remote lighthouses in the Arctic.
Related abbreviations
More astronomy & Space abbreviations
- NS – Neutron star
- pc – Parsec
- PHA – Potentially hazardous asteroid
- QSO – Quasi-stellar object
- RA – Right ascension
- RP-1 – Rocket Propellant-1
- SETI – Search for extraterrestrial intelligence
- SKA – Square Kilometre Array
- SLS – Space Launch System
- SMBH – Supermassive black hole
- SN – Supernova
- SOHO – Solar and Heliospheric Observatory