Cassini By the Numbers: The Grand Finale

Illustrated graphic breaking down Cassini's Grand Finale. Full text in caption.
April 24, 2017
CreditNASA/JPL-Caltech
Language
  • english

Some key numbers for Cassini's Grand Finale and final plunge into Saturn.

Cassini's Grand Finale: By the Numbers

Coming within 1,012 miles of Saturn's clouds (1,628 km).

22 orbits in total.

Passing through a gap 1,500 miles wide (2,400 km).

76,806 mph top speed relative to Saturn 123,608 kph).

5 passes through Saturn's upper atmosphere.

4 passes through Saturn's innermost ring (D ring).

1 final plunge into Saturn on September 15, 2017.

1 minute from atmosphere entry to loss of contact.