The size of MSL, Yep, it really IS that big! |
The size of MSL, Yep, it really IS that big! |
Apr 5 2009, 12:44 AM
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The Poet Dude Group: Moderator Posts: 5551 Joined: 15-March 04 From: Kendal, Cumbria, UK Member No.: 60 |
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Aug 6 2012, 12:33 AM
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2106 Joined: 13-February 10 From: Ontario Member No.: 5221 |
Any reason it was tungsten specifically? Wouldn't lead work just as well (and be a bit cheaper)?
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Aug 6 2012, 12:55 AM
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 2542 Joined: 13-September 05 Member No.: 497 |
Any reason it was tungsten specifically? Wouldn't lead work just as well (and be a bit cheaper)? Lead is too soft. Tungsten (or possibly a copper-tungsten alloy which is easier to machine) is much harder. Also, tungsten is denser, allowing volume savings. http://www.e-tungsten.com/top_10_tungsten_reasons.html I'm unaware of any planetary protection restrictions against lead or generally toxic materials. Consider the toxicity of Pu238... -------------------- Disclaimer: This post is based on public information only. Any opinions are my own.
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Aug 6 2012, 01:06 AM
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Forum Contributor Group: Members Posts: 1374 Joined: 8-February 04 From: North East Florida, USA. Member No.: 11 |
The Pu238 is in protective ceramic cakes. It's highly unlikely to ever to pollute Mars. It also has a half life and will eventually decay into a less harmless compound.
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