From: NFetter@aol.com
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 1997 19:55:40 -0400 (EDT)
To: pinhole@exploratorium.edu
Subject: Re: Cassini probe
Hi Lou,
A couple of more remarks about Cassini. Not only would solor panels not work,
but fossil fuels or fuel cells would add considerably to the payload, making
launch nearly impossible. On the other hand, plutonium was probably chosen
because it is a cheap, readily available nuclear energy source left over from
the weapons program. NASA seems to be between a rock and hard place. Since
this spacecraft is going to Saturn and is VERY expensive, a compact, long
lasting energy source is needed. A nuclear reactor fills the bill, but I am
not sure that plutonium is the best fuel in terms of environmental safety.
Neil
Fetter