October 1, 1997
If all goes as scheduled, the Cassini Orbiter, strapped to the back of a Titan IV rocket, will launch from the Kennedy Space Center on October 13th, beginning its long journey to Saturn to study the planet, its rings, and its satellites. The Cassini mission - a cooperative project involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) - is expected to reach Saturn in 2004. It will orbit the planet for four years.
This proposed launch, however, has become a war-of-words between the Cassini managers and anti-nuclear activists, with the heated debate focused on the radioactive isotopes powering Cassini: 72 pounds of P-238 (plutonium).
NASA reports that all deep-space missions have utilized radioactive isotopes in the absense of the ability to utilize solar power, and that even in the slim chance of a mishap, that there would be no threat to public safety.
The opponents have a more grim vision, and they have organized rallies and protests world wide. Their concern stems not only from the possibility of a launch mishap, but also from the orbiter's path - which passes within 500 miles of the Earth in 1999 as it gains momentum to reach Saturn. They stress the dangers of the Plutonium onboard, stating that inhaling less then 27 millionths of a gram of Pu will give you lung cancer and also causes long term genetic damage.
Local opponents to the Cassini launch recall previous disasters during the lift-off process, and claim that the 2.3 million people residing in the 6 county region surrounding the Cape, consisting of Volusia, Seminole, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Brevard Countries, would be in danger of contamination.
Even though the protests might not stop the launch, they will certainly have an impact on future proposed missions. Hopefully, the point will become moot when the advancement in solar energy technology provides a solution that will satisfy both sides.
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