File:New Horizons Radioisotope thermoelectric generator(RTG) diagram.svg

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Description	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	January 2006
Source	New Horizons Launch Press Kit p37 local copy
Author	NASA
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	Date/Time	Thumbnail	Dimensions	User	Comment
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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