DescripciónAEC-71-9130 SNAP-19 RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC GENERATORS (RTG)in orbit for about 2 years, are being modified for probing the planet Jupiter in deep outer space. This photo shows the pair of SNAP-19’s (arrow) aboard NASA’s Nimbus III weather satellite which was launched April 14, 1969. At the end of 1970, the two generators were still in operation, supplying power for operation of the spacecraft. Having the SNAP-19’s on board has allowed the satellite to obtain increased data over that which would have been possible with only the prime solar cell power system. Modified SNAP-19 generators will be used for NASA’s Pioneer space probes of the planet Jupiter in 1972 and 1973. Mound laboratory is developing and fabricating the fuel capsules and radioisotopic heaters that will be used for men’s first scientific venture past Mars in the solar system. Heat produced by the decay of plutonium-238 will be converted by a thermoelectric generator to power instrumentation aboard the unmanned spacecraft. The 1-thermal watt radioisotopic heaters will also be used to warm the hydrazine propellant. Credit: NASA
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