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Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Waste Heat System for the Cassini Propulsion Module
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English
Abstract
This paper describes the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) waste heat system and its development, performance, and effectiveness at controlling the temperatures for the propulsion module for the Cassini spacecraft.
To explore the Saturn system, the Cassini spacecraft relies on the electrical power from these RTGs, but the large power demand for science and engineering functions severely limits the electrical power available for temperature control. The waste heat system transfers heat radiatively and conductively from each RTG to the propulsion module to maintain temperatures and establish a stable temperature sink to which the rest of the orbiter is thermally anchored.
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Citation
Mireles, V. and Stultz, J., "Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Waste Heat System for the Cassini Propulsion Module," SAE Technical Paper 941269, 1994, https://doi.org/10.4271/941269.Also In
References
- Kohlhase, C. “The Cassini Mission to Saturn” The Planetary Report Volume XIII 4 July/August 1993
- Stultz, J.W. “Viking Mars Orbiter 1975 Solar Energy Controller,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets 14 5 1977 294 299
- Stultz, J.W. “Thermal Design of the Galileo Bus and Retropropulsion Module,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets 28 2 1991 139 145
- Lyra, J.C. Stultz, J.W. “The Variable Radioisotope Heater Unit for the Cassini Spacecraft,” SAE 5th European Symposium on Space Environmental Control Systems and the 24th International Conference on Environmental Systems Friedrichshafen, Germany June 20-23 1994