The status of the accident analysis for the Ulysses outer planetary space science mission is presented in this Safety Status Report (SSR). This mission employs a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) as the prime electrical power source for the spacecraft. Ulysses will be launched into earth orbit using the Space Shuttle and will use the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS)/ Payload Assist Module-Special (PAM-S) boosters to place the spacecraft into an earth escape trajectory. The RTG employs silicon-germanium thermoelectric couples to produce electricity from the heat energy that results from the decay of the radioisotope fuel, Plutonium-238, used in the RTG heat source. The heat source configuration used in the RTG is termed General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS), and the RTG is designated GPHS-RTG. The use of radioactive material in these missions necessitates evaluations of the radiological risks that may be encountered by launch complex personnel as well as by the earth's general population resulting from postulated malfunctions or failures occurring in the mission operations. The SSR presents the results of a rigorous safety assessment, including substantial analyses and testing, of the launch and deployment of the RTG for the Ulysses mission. 12 refs., 24 figs., 14 tabs.


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