10 APR. 2004
publication date
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The Huygens probe measured 2.7 metres across and was built like a shellfish: a hard shell to protect a delicate interior from extreme temperatures experienced during the descent through the atmosphere.
It consisted of two parts: the Entry Assembly Module and the Descent Module.
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Huygens Descent Module and shield
The Entry Assembly Module carried the equipment to control Huygens after the separation from Cassini, and had a shield that acted as a brake and as thermal protection.
The Descent Module contained the scientific instruments. The probe used three different parachutes in sequence during the descent.
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More on Cassini-Huygens spacecraft
More on Huygens instruments
Life on Titan?
Titan, Saturn's largest moon, is a mysterious place. Its thick atmosphere is rich in organic compounds. Some of them would be signs of life if they were on our planet.
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