Huygens spacecraft
The Huygens probe measures 2.7 metres across and is built like a shellfish: a hard shell to protect a delicate interior from extreme temperatures experienced during the descent through the atmosphere.
It consists of two parts: the Entry Assembly Module and the Descent Module.
Huygens Descent Module and shield
The Entry Assembly Module carries the equipment to control Huygens after the separation from Cassini, and has a shield that will act as a brake and as thermal protection.
The Descent Module contains the scientific instruments. The probe will use three different parachutes in sequence during the descent.
Related links
- At Saturn and Titan
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Cassini-Huygens - More on Cassini-Huygens spacecraft
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=35026 - More on Huygens instruments
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=31193&fbodylongid=1604 - Life on Titan?
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Cassini-Huygens/Life_on_Titan - Christiaan Huygens: Discoverer of Titan
http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/ESA_history/Christiaan_Huygens_Discoverer_of_Titan - Jean-Dominique Cassini: Astrology to astronomy
http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/ESA_history/Jean-Dominique_Cassini_Astrology_to_astronomy - NASA JPL Cassini-Huygens site
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.cfm - Italian Space Agency (ASI)
http://www.asi.it