UPSC Prelims 2024 · Question 91 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2024
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectScience and Technology
- TopicSpace Technology
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
With reference to radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), consider the following statements:
1. RTGs are miniature fission reactors.
2. RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts.
3. RTGs can use Plutonium-238, which is a by-product of weapons development.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Verdict
Correct statements: 2 and 3 only → Option (b).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – INCORRECT: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) are lightweight, compact spacecraft power systems that are extraordinarily reliable. RTGs provide electrical power using heat from the natural radioactive decay of plutonium-238, in the form of plutonium oxide. They are NOT miniature fission reactors – they use radioactive decay, not nuclear fission.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: RTGs are used for powering the onboard systems of spacecrafts. NASA has been using the technology since the 1960s.
Statement 3 – CORRECT: Pu-238 is used due to its low half-life. However, Pu-238 is actually a by-product of nuclear reactor operations (not primarily weapons development), though it is produced as a side effect.
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