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Next: 11. Outstanding Issue(s) Up: Project Asterius Previous: 9. Mission Life Cycle

10. Technology

One concern for technology readiness is that of the DIPS construction. Because nuclear power sources are constructed from the remainder of nuclear war ``paraphenelia,'' the availability of the plutonium source for the DIPS system is unknown. However, because many DIPS have been researched, developed, and tested, obtaining a system for Project Asterius should be feasible for prototype testing and launch.

The solid-state recorder has already been used on a mission, Cassini. However, Jupiter's radiation environment is much harsher than Saturn's. Using the solid-state recorder near Jupiter adds risk to the mission; however, its benefits make the risks worth it. A reduced capacity solid-state recorder would still perform better than a magnetic tape in terms of speed and flexibility. Cassini's recorder is designed to retain 90% of its memory at the conclusion of its primary mission. We think the Asterius' recorder, in the harsher environment of Jupiter, could still retain 70% of it memory at the end of its mission.