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Yes, for another decade or so probably Isaac Send a noteboard - 21/03/2013 11:58:41 AM

Assuming nothing breaks the plutonium RTGs will decay below usable production circa 2025 or so. RTGs never exactly stop producing power but their source decays in accordance with the half life, usually just under a century for plutonium RTGs, and the thermocouples degrade too. RTGs aren't very efficient, they're just very simple/durable, and you eventually drop below a certain power threshold. The thing could break at any moment of course, and not all of the systems still work, frankly its damned impressive engineering that so much functionality remains.

In terms of bandwidth it is pretty low and it gets lower every day but we do get data back.

The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.
- Albert Einstein

King of Cairhien 20-7-2
Chancellor of the Landsraad, Archduke of Is'Mod
This message last edited by Isaac on 21/03/2013 at 12:05:42 PM
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