B+Cassini+Spacecraft

= = = = =Name of radioactive isotope/electromagnetic radiation/scientist:= The name of the radioactive isotope used in the Cassini spacecraft power source is plutonium - 238

= = = = =Explanation of interesting facts: (how used/works.experiments/discoveries)=
 * 1) Cassini uses radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs)
 * 2) RTGs are a light weight means of propulsion but are not nuclear reactors containing no moving parts
 * 3) Instead of using fission or fusion power is provided from the radioactive decay of plutonium
 * 4) the heat emitted from the decay is transferred into electricity by thermoelectric converters
 * 5) RTGs currently are the only engines that can reach the sun

=3 Advantages of using the radioactive isotope/radiation/benefits of discovery=

1. RTGs have been used 24 times in the past 3 decades and haven't failed once

2. Plutonium dioxide fuel in RTGs is in a ceramic form reducing the chances of it reentering the environment or vaporizing in fire

3. This isotope when fractured tends to brake down into parts to small to breath

=3 Disadvantages of using the radioactive isotope/radiation/discovery:= 1.

2.

3.

=Is the radioactive isotope/radiation/discovery still used today? Explain= Yes this radio isotope is used today and will continue to be used for many years to come do to the fact that it is extremely safe and reliable.

=References:= http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/products/pdfs/power.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassini–Huygens http://www.chicagospace.org/x/Cassini_at_Saturn.jpg (pic)

=Diagram/image:=

This is an image of the cassini spacecraft circling saturn