Curiosity’s power is in fact nuclear and it comes from an onboard Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG). The MMRTG provides electrical power by directly converting the heat generated by the decay of plutonium-238 dioxide into electrical energy using thermocouples at an operational efficiency of 6 to 7 percent. The MMRTG carries 10.6 pounds (4.8 Kg) of plutonium-238 dioxide and produces 110 Watts of electrical power (twice as much as the maximum power provided by the charger on a 13-in MacBook Pro). The MMRTG also provides heat to maintain a proper operating temperature of all the instruments and systems in the rover. Here is a schematic of a MMRTG
So, where is the MMRTG in the Rover? Take a look and see if you can find it
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDCyQvXjitWaUb5pxlXPvVm2hf3ySpHKSdOfSttUxeokIgKuGzM7LObplb7h5SjbUzrs0-bSuPjo8fCvXmB8y3I_d7ik54OLi-eLAdScCx7gjA0RXciHGfRqKuo6SQe0jPLZTkleBZMs/s400/MMRTG+CURIOSITY.jpg)
The MMRTG in Curiosity is capable of producing power for over 14 years, it weights 99 pounds(45 Kg), and it measures about 63.5 cm in diameter and 66 cm long. A great advantage of thermoelectric generators is that there are no moving parts associated with them. However, typical energy conversion efficiencies are quite low.
(Photo credits: NASA)
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