Huygens
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Huygens integration activities
During the final phase of the integration activities, a CD-ROM with more than 100 000 electronic messages was mounted on the Huygens descent module. Huygens is currently on its way to Titan onboard NASA's Cassini spacecraft. |
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Artist's impression of Huygens just before release from Cassini
Huygens is an atmospheric probe that will descend down to the surface of Saturn's largest moon, Titan. It will study the complex organic chemistry at work on Titan which may provide clues on how life began on Earth. |
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Artist's impression of Huygens's probe entering Titan's atmosphere
During the descent on Titan, the Huygens probe will have to endure extreme temperatures. During the entry in the atmosphere the heat developed by the friction on its shield may produce temperatures of up to 18 000ºC. |
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Artist's impression of Huygens probe landing on Titan
During its descent through the atmosphere, Huygens will use three parachutes in sequence to land on the surface of Titan. |