Which spacecraft, powered by RTGs, successfully operated long past its intended mission duration?
Answer
Cassini
The reliability of Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) is exceptionally high, often resulting in operational lifespans that far exceed the mission requirements for which they were designed. The inherent simplicity of the RTG, lacking moving parts for the primary power conversion process, contributes to this longevity. Spacecraft known to have benefited from this enduring power source include Pioneer, Viking, Voyager, Galileo, and Cassini, with the latter being a prime example of a mission that successfully utilized its RTG power source for an extended period well beyond its initial projected operational timeline.
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