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>However, the bi-metallic thermocouples used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy degrade as well

Are there copies of these RTGs on Earth for analyst or it was defined by lack of any other explanation?

I think it is likely. I was under the impression that space programs try to keep identical subsystems on Earth so they can use them to debug in-mission issues. Hard to attach a JTAG debugger when your device under test is 34 lighthours away! =)

34 hours is the roundtrip time, the distance is 17 light hours.

Thank you, I didn't catch that.

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