There's no nuclear reaction or explosion produced when Pu 238 decays... only heat.
Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators - Spacecraft Power For Cassini: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/safety/power.pdf
Radioisotope Heater Units (used on Cassini): http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/safety/rhu.pdf
When fauna decays on Earth (leaves, fresh cut grass, timber…) even bodies of animals when they die and decompose, they create and release Methane gas, one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gas and, reportedly, global warming on Earth. I know, how can I compare that to a well protected and contained, penny sized decaying pellet of Pu 238, which, instead of gas, creates heat and helps generate electricity.
Regarding NASA’s willingness to share information, here's one way.
Space/Science » in reply to "Arrogance is bliss" -Alcaray
re: "Arrogance is bliss"
The whole thread (22 posts)
- Why don't NASA's $800 million Mars Rovers have solar panel cleaners?
- More importantly, they don't have state of the art autonomous vision systems
- re: Why don't NASA's $800 million Mars Rovers have solar panel cleaners?
- re: Why don't NASA's $800 million Mars Rovers have solar panel cleaners?
- Good Question, But Not A Good Way To Secure Future Funding