Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Waste Heat System for the Cassini Propulsion Module

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.