Image Details
|
|
Interplanetary Trajectory December 17, 2004 |
|
|
This graphic depicts the interplanetary flight path beginning with launch from Earth on 15 October 1997, followed by gravity assist flybys of Venus (26 April 1998 and 24 June 1999), Earth (18 August 1999), and Jupiter (30 December 2000). Saturn arrival 1 July 2004 marked the beginning of a four-year prime mission orbital tour of the Saturn System. The gravity assist flybys of the different planets are designed to increase the spacecraft's velocity relative to the Sun so it can reach Saturn. During these planetary flybys, there is an exchange of energy between the planet and the spacecraft that accelerates the latter and changes its velocity direction relative to the Sun. With the use of the VVEJGA (Venus-Venus-Earth-Jupiter Gravity Assist) trajectory, it takes 6.7 years for the Cassini spacecraft to arrive at Saturn. The spacecraft will log 5 billion kilometers (over 3 billion miles) during its 6.7 year cruise. This complex trajectory design means that the spacecraft must be capable of withstanding the thermal environment both inside the orbit of Venus (40 C) and at Saturn (-190 C). For higher resolution, click here.
|
|
