Science
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Science Objectives
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The subject of universal curiosity for centuries, Saturn offers a
treasure of opportunities for exploration and discovery.
The Cassini-Huygens mission is designed to carry out detailed,
in-depth scientific exploration of Saturn, its mystical rings, icy
satellites, and its magnetosphere, the area around Saturn that is
controlled by the planet's magnetic field. With Cassini-Huygens, we
will not only explore Saturn, but also learn more about Earth as part
of our solar system, rather than just as an isolated planet.
Cassini's payload consists of a carefully chosen set of interrelating
instruments that will address many major scientific questions about
the Saturn system. The data they return will be analyzed by a team of
more than 250 scientists from 17 nations.
Cassini-Huygens is a mission of discovery, which follows our basic
instinct of curiosity about our environment. The challenge of this
mission will also result in new technological developments that will
benefit our society as a whole.
Managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the mission is a joint
undertaking by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The mission hopes
to draw parallels between historical voyages and the new era of space
exploration with multi-national focus and cooperation.
