Huygens probe jettison

Huygens probe jettison

In this artist's rendition, the Huygens probe is finally ejected by the Cassini spacecraft and begins its 22-day coast phase toward Titan.

Equipped with six scientific instruments, the probe will descend through Titan's dense, murky atmosphere. Throughout its descent -- and possibly even after reaching the surface of Titan -- the Huygens probe will beam data to the Cassini orbiter, to be relay back to Earth.