Cassini space probe getting ready for Grand finale
In 1997, the Cassini-Huygens space probe was launched from Cape Canaveral. Cassini has been one of the most successful space missions ever, and now it is time for Cassini-Huygens' final mission. On September 15, 2017, Cassini will descend onto the surface of Saturn.
Cassini has been one of the most successful space missions ever, and now, 20 years after launch, it is time for Cassini-Huygens' final mission.
The probe will certainly go out in style. On September 15, 2017, Cassini will descend onto the surface of Saturn. The atmosphere makes it impossible to keep sending signals to earth but Cassini will give out at the last moment before it enters below. Hopes are high that this last effort will provide even more breakthrough discoveries about Saturn and space. In the meantime, Cassini is orbiting Saturn every week in preparation for the final plunge.
For Habia it is the end of 20 years of service for our small but vital contribution to this mission. We designed a coaxial cable for Cassini-Huygens that has worked flawlessly all this time. So thanks to our team back in the days who made a great cable!
Follow Cassini's last voyage here
Image caption
October 15,1997: A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. Credit: NASA