ESA - Cassini-Huygens - Huygens spacecraft

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Solving the puzzles of Saturn and Titan

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Cassini-Huygens mission facts The mission Cassini spacecraft Cassini instruments

Huygens spacecraft

Huygens instruments The launcher

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Huygens spacecraft

Cassini - Huygens preparation : descent module

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.

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At Saturn and Titan

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More on Cassini-Huygens spacecraft More on Huygens instruments

Life on Titan?Christiaan Huygens: Discoverer of Titan Jean-Dominique Cassini: Astrology to astronomy