Saturn Visit

[Channel Hopper]

The Cassini Huygens probe starts its final leg of the journey today, with a controlled descent into the orbit of Saturn

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-Huygens/SEMA7825WVD_0.html

Before the slow down, requiring reversal of the probe for the engine to fire, the main transmitting dish for Earth / probe communication is to be used as protection for the delicate instruments. The proble will be flying thorugh the 'gap ' that exists between the F and G rings of the planet.

The highest detail ever photographed of the rings should be sent back to Earth on Thursday evening, assuming that the 4m dish on the probe withstands any of the debris that might be encountered during the manouevre.

Interesting that they will be using the dish in this way.

 

[Channel Hopper]

Its arrived, everything has gone exactly to plan

http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-Huygens/SEMAMG25WVD_0.html

Congratulations to all involved in the project

 

[Channel Hopper]

For data / pictures as it arrives from the spacecraft

http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/images/raw/index.cfm

 

[Rob]

Thanks for that CH, absolutely fascinating.

 

[lazydave]

Very interesting, indeed! Looks like it takes some relatively long "exposures".

 

[Channel Hopper]

The spacecraft is now spending time assessing the atmosphere and other features of Titan, Saturns largest moon.

Onboard is a probe that if successful, will be the first piece of metal dropped by humans onto an planet outside the asteroid belt. Systems are go for Christmas Day 2004