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This radioisotope thermoelectric generator RTG is ready for electrical verification testing now it has been installed on the Cassini spacecraft.

NASA

NASA
Washington, DC, United States

This radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), at center, is ready for electrical verification testing now that it has been installed on the Cassini spacecraft in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. A handling fixture, at far left, remains attached. This is the third and final RTG to be installed on Cassini for the prelaunch tests. 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 at great distances from the Sun where solar power systems are not feasible. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch aboard a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle

Details

  • Title: This radioisotope thermoelectric generator RTG is ready for electrical verification testing now it has been installed on the Cassini spacecraft.
  • Location: Kennedy Space Center, FL
  • Owner: KSC
  • Album: cbabir
  • About Title: To help you find images you’re searching for, previously untitled images have been labelled automatically based on their description

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