Reply #31: Got me wondering what Apollo 13's RTG was for. [View All]

[Wilms]

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package
http://tinyurl.com/9pplr

The lunar module burned up in Earth's atmosphere 17 April, 1970, having been targeted to enter over the Pacific Ocean to reduce the possibility of contamination from a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) on board (had the mission proceeded as planned, the RTG would have been used to power the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiment Package, and then remained on the Moon). The RTG survived reentry (as designed) and landed in the Tonga Trench. While it will remain radioactive for approximately 2000 years, it does not appear to be releasing radioactive material.

http://www.answers.com/topic/apollo-13


Thanks for the tip.