The last of NASA's big-budget space missions, the Cassini probe to Saturn has been engulfed in controversy surrounding its propulsion system, which relies on plutonium. Critics of the mission say the rocket carrying the probe could explode, unleashing a cloud of the lethal isotope into the atmosphere. But NASA scientists contend the probe is safe and that the mission should go forward as planned in October. Space Online (Brevard County, FLA.) 

Video: Voyage to Saturn
San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) 

Cassini Mission Q and A
San Jose Mercury News(Calif.) 

What could go wrong?
Space Online (Brevard County, FLA.) 

Chart: Cassini's radiation
San Jose Mercury News(Calif.) 

Graphic: Inside a Plutonium generator
San Jose Mercury News(Calif.) 

Video: Cassini's power supply
San Jose Mercury News(Calif.) 

California team stands ready if worst happens
Space Online (Brevard County, FLA.) 

The politics of space flight
San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) 

The most censored news story of 1996?
Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) 

Debate over the mission
Sun One (Gainsville, Fla.) 

A roundabout course
Space Online (Brevard County, FLA.) 

Graphic: Close encounters with the planets
San Jose Mercury News (Calif.) 

Thousands expected at pre-launch protest
Space Online (Brevard County, FLA.) 

Images of Cassini
Space Online (Brevard County, FLA.)