plop SPACEPHOTOS
 Untitled Document




   Home » Ref S10606 (detail)

 
My Light Box / Estimate Request : 0 image(s)
Alternate choice of images for this theme
                        
Save this image free of charge
in 800 pixels for layout use
(right click, Save as...)



Ref : S10606

Theme : Testings - Satellites - Probes - Rockets  (2314 images)

Title : Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineers examine the interface surface on the

Caption :

(07/18/1997) --- 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