I think the KSC team is loading the toxic Hydrazine propellants today. Note the hazmat suits and pressurized tanks. The propellant is used for both attitude control and orbit insertion.
You can also see the fairing in the background.
Full Version: Hydrazine Loading
Odd that they went with a cluster of small engines instead of one main engine 
I suppose it offers an element of redundency, much like the engine failure during the A13 launch, you can just burn the others for a little longer.
Doug
I suppose it offers an element of redundency, much like the engine failure during the A13 launch, you can just burn the others for a little longer.
Doug
QUOTE (djellison @ Jul 19 2005, 08:02 PM)
Odd that they went with a cluster of small engines instead of one main engine
Perhaps the cluster of smaller engines are redunant where a single engine wouldn't be. Cassini also has two engines just for this purpose.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.