You know, I’ve always wondered if local sexpot was thrown from that balcony for his anti-establishment and “eat the rich” positions. I think he was too dangerous to them. Tragic loss for the rest of us.

Those common people are the clay of the land…

I remember the hand-wringing about Cassini prior to its launch. The probe survived launch from Earth fine, but Saturn got the materials in the end (I also remember people stating that we polluted Saturn without the Saturnian’s consent).

I believe several RTGs have been recovered from failed launches intact and without leakage, so I agree it can be done.

Last time I checked on that one, the opposition to the idea was focused on the risks of nuclear fallout from a failed launch.