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Radioisotope Power Systems An Imperative for Maintaining U.S. Leadership in Space Exploration (2009) / Chapter Skim
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1 The Problem
Pages 5-6

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From page 5...
... RPSs generate electricity by converting heat from the Like all prior RPSs, MMRTGs convert the thermal energy natural decay of the plutonium-238 (238Pu ) radioisotope produced by the radioactive decay of 238Pu to electricity into electricity.
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From page 6...
... The United States has not DOE roles and responsibilities, and nuclear safety. Chapter 3 produced 238Pu since the Department of Energy shut down its examines 238Pu supply and demand and the importance of nuclear weapons production reactors in the late 1980s.
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Key Terms

  • stirling radioisotope
  • domestic production
  • stirling engine
  • generate electricity
  • radioactive decay

  • thermal energy
  • advanced stirling
  • radioisotope generators
  • radioisotope generator
  • fueling rpss

  • major impediment
  • completing exploration
  • energy shut
  • produce heat
  • rps currently

  • spacecraft require
  • circled earth
  • specific rps
  • reestablish domestic
  • withstand severe

  • extensive testing
  • natural radioactive
  • provide reliable
  • require electrical
  • electrical energy

  • low states
  • credible accidents
  • production facilities
  • rpss generate
  • energy natural


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