Cassini's RTGs undergo mechanical and electrical verification testing in the PHSF

[KSC-97PC-1065]

  • Photo Number: KSC-97PC-1065

  • Release Date: 18-Jul-1997

    • Description: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) workers prepare the installation cart (atop the platform) for removal of a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) from the adjacent Cassini spacecraft. This is the second of three RTGs being removed from Cassini after undergoing mechanical and electrical verification tests in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The third RTG to be removed is in background at left. The three RTGs will then be temporarily stored before being re-installed for flight. The RTGs will provide electrical power to Cassini on its 6.7-year trip to the Saturnian system and during its four-year mission at Saturn. RTGs use heat from the natural decay of plutonium to generate electric power. The generators enable spacecraft to operate far from the Sun where solar power systems are not feasible. The Cassini mission is scheduled for an Oct. 6 launch aboard a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle. Cassini is built and managed for NASA by JPL.

    Resolution Format Width
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    Slide GIF 111 156 25115
    Low GIF 160 240 55154
    Medium JPEG 512 768 83494
    High JPEG 1521 2280 865345

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    Last Updated: Tuesday August 28 16:03:02 EDT 2001 (Kay Grinter)

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