Re: Pu-238 on Mars Pathfinder?

[RNelson875@aol.com]

The MARS pathfinder contains three 1 watt thermal heater units called LWRHUs
housed in the center wheel axel that runs through the electronic package.
 The heater units are required to maintain the integrity of the electronic
and batteries through the cold Martian night without creating additional
drain on the batteries for electrical heaters.  If the rover batteries become
fully discharged or too cold, they will not be capable of recharging via the
rover's solar array.

Dr. Robert C. Nelson
RNelson875@aol.com

Standard disclaimers apply.