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| Keywords: MSL MMRTG loading 2011-7899.jpg en CAPE CANAVERAL Fla -- In the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station the multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator MMRTG for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory MSL mission secured to a turning fixture is positioned on the radioisotope power system integration cart RIC The MMRTG will be installed on the Curiosity rover with the aid of the RIC The MMRTG will generate the power needed for the mission from the natural decay of plutonium-238 a non-weapons-grade form of the radioisotope Heat given off by this natural decay will provide constant power through the day and night during all seasons Curiosity MSL's car-sized rover has 10 science instruments designed to search for signs of life including methane and help determine if the gas is from a biological or geological source Waste heat from the MMRTG will be circulated throughout the rover system to keep instruments computers mechanical devices and communications systems within their operating temperature ranges Launch of MSL aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for Nov 25 For more information visit http //www nasa gov/msl http //mediaarchive ksc nasa gov/detail cfm mediaid 57126 Department of Energy/Idaho National Laboratory 2011-11-17 Mars Science Laboratory Cape Canaveral Vertical Integration Facility 2011 in Florida PD-USGov | ||||
