What fundamental principle ensured continuous operation for the Transit 4A satellite?
Answer
Harnessing the steady heat from radioactive decay for electrical power
The initial success of the Transit 4A mission established the core concept necessary for deep-space exploration where sunlight is insufficient. Solar cells lose efficiency rapidly or fail completely in deep space environments. Therefore, the core technological milestone achieved was the reliable harnessing of energy derived from radioactive decay. This provided a steady, predictable stream of heat converted into electrical energy, ensuring the satellite could operate autonomously and continuously for years, regardless of its distance from the Sun.
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