Dynamic isotope power subsystem (DIPS) ground support

The ground support system for the Dynamic Isotope Power Subsystem (DIPS) was evaluated to ensure that the DIPS heat source subsystem reflects all the ground handling requirements imposed from factory to flight. The DIPS general-purpose heat source (GPHS) canister, which contains GPHS modules, must be safely handled from the time it is shipped from the government facility, where the canister is loaded with the GPHS modules, to its final mating with the space vehicle at the launch pad. The ground support system includes the shipping, receiving, inspecting, storage, and installation of the GPHS canister into the DIPS heat source units at the launch pad. All of the ground support activities are discussed and it is demonstrated that all the requirements can be safely met.<>