Devices that harness the heat produced by the decay of radioactive elements, known as radioisotope heater units (RHUs), allow spacecraft to operate without relying on electricity generated by solar panels to warm them.
ESA has historically relied on US or Russian partners to provide RHUs that use plutonium-238 for missions, but since 2009 has been working on its own programme to create radioisotope heaters.
The European RHUs using americium-241 will be a first for Europe, representing a major achievement and cost-effective alternative to plutonium heaters.
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