Cassini's 'Grand Finale' [Updated]

[sherlew99]

UPI



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NASA's Cassini probe to begin 'Grand Finale'

"Cassini's grand finale is so much more than a final plunge," said NASA scientist Linda Spilker.

By Brooks Hays | April 4, 2017 at 4:39 PM Follow @upi



April 4 (UPI) -- Cassini is nearing its final days -- and final orbits. On Wednesday, April 26, the probe will begin its "Grand Finale," as it makes a succession of dives through the 1,500-mile-wide gap between Saturn's atmosphere and its rings.

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[sherlew99]

Here's an itinerary of sorts for these final maneuvers.

Cassini's First Grand Finale Dive: Milestones

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Cassini's finding on Saturn's rings via JPL.

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NASA JPL



News | April 27, 2017

NASA Spacecraft Dives Between Saturn and Its Rings


NASA's Cassini spacecraft is back in contact with Earth after its successful first-ever dive through the narrow gap between the planet Saturn and its rings on April 26, 2017. The spacecraft is in the process of beaming back science and engineering data collected during its passage, via NASA's Deep Space Network Goldstone Complex in California's Mojave Desert.

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Vox


Photos: what Cassini saw as it dived in between Saturn and its rings

The spacecraft survived its first “grand finale” dive. These pictures prove it.

Updated by Brian Resnick@[e-mail] Apr 27, 2017, 1:10pm EDT



On Wednesday, April 26, the Cassini spacecraft did something extraordinary: It slipped through the gap between Saturn and its rings, becoming the first spacecraft ever to explore this region.

The trip took it closer to the top of Saturn’s atmosphere than any spacecraft had been before. And, yes, there are pictures

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Business Insider



A new NASA video shows exactly what Cassini saw and where during its 'first fantastic dive' over Saturn

Dave Mosher
05-03-17




Now the space agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has released a brand-new video that shows exactly where, when, and how the spacecraft filmed the unprecedented string of images during its "first fantastic dive".

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[pickinduck]

I don't get it. Is it using one of those weird 360 degree lens? and if so why are they showing us it after using the software to correct it?

[sherlew99]

I don't think that she has a 360 degree lens. She does have quite a bit of instrumentation packed on her, though.