To my knowledge, the plutonium that Cassini is scheduled to carry onboard is
in the range of 60 - 70 pounds. The size is applicable to lipstick tubes
and in hardened metal container encasing the chemical.
Adversaries are alarmed about possible explosion during the launch and
during earth flyby (gravity assist swing.)
Advocates of the mission have mitigated the situation by using armored
containers so that if there is a first stage failure, the integrity of the
containers are such that there could be no toxic problems. They also state
that it is literally impossible that there would be a flyby miscalculation,
and even if there was, it would be known well before a possible collision
and the course would be corrected.
Plutonium has been onboard missions for decades: Voyager, Viking, Gemini all
had plutonium onboard. I'm not sure whether the antagonists are waving
flags for some personal cause, or there is serious drawbacks to this
particular missions' load. I have consulted with a few astronomer and space
architect friends who are actively in the field of space travel. I haven't
heard any alarm. I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Natasha Vita More [fka Nancie Clark] - natasha@extropic-art.com
"Treat your friends as you do your pictures, and place them in their best
light." Jennie Jerome Churchill
More Art Studio - http://www.extropic-art.com
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