After two decades in the solar system, NASA’s Cassini space probe is set to end its sojourn with a “grand finale”. Launched from Earth in 1997, Cassini traveled through the solar system to reach Saturn in 2004. Since then it has sent back information on the giant planet, its rings and many moons. Now running out of fuel, Cassini will make 22 dives through the space between Saturn and its rings to plunge into Saturn’s atmosphere. On Saturday, it soared past Saturn’s biggest moon, using its gravity to make way for its final plunge into the gas giant. The process has already begun and is scheduled to end 15 September 2017.
Watch: NASA's Cassini heads to its 'grand finale' on Saturn
Watch: NASA's Cassini heads to its 'grand finale' on Saturn
FP Staff
• April 24, 2017, 18:38:52 IST
After two decades in the solar system, NASA’s Cassini space probe is set to end its sojourn with a “grand finale”. Launched from Earth in 1997, Cassini traveled through the solar system to reach Saturn in 2004. Since then it has sent back information on the giant planet, its rings and many moons. Now running out of fuel, Cassini will make 22 dives through the space between Saturn and its rings to plunge into Saturn’s atmosphere.
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