Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineers examine  the interface surface on the Cassini spacecraft prior to installation of the third  radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The other two RTGs, at left, already are  installed on Cassini. The three RTGs will be used to power Cassini on its mission to the  Saturnian system. They are undergoing mechanical and electrical verification testing in  the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. 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 KSC-97PC1066

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Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineers examine the interface surface on the Cassini spacecraft prior to installation of the third radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The other two RTGs, at left, already are installed on Cassini. The three RTGs will be used to power Cassini on its mission to the Saturnian system. They are undergoing mechanical and electrical verification testing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. 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 KSC-97PC1066

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Summary

Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineers examine the interface surface on the Cassini spacecraft prior to installation of the third radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). The other two RTGs, at left, already are installed on Cassini. The three RTGs will be used to power Cassini on its mission to the Saturnian system. They are undergoing mechanical and electrical verification testing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. 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

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Date

18/07/1997
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Source

NASA
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Public Domain Dedication (CC0)

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