Cassini/Huygens science instruments

Leonard D. Jaffe; Linda M. Herrell

doi:10.1117/12.253410

7 October 1996 Cassini/Huygens science instruments

Leonard D. Jaffe, Linda M. Herrell

Proceedings Volume 2803, Cassini/Huygens: A Mission to the Saturnian Systems; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.253410
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The Cassini spacecraft will carry eighteen scientific instruments to Saturn. After it is inserted into Saturn's orbit, it will separate into a Saturn Orbiter and an atmospheric probe, called Huygens, which will descend to the surface of Titan. The Orbiter will orbit the planet for four years, making close flybys of five satellites, including multiple flybys of Titan. Orbiter instruments are body- mounted; the spacecraft must be turned to point some of them toward objects of interest. Optical instruments provide imagery and spectrometry. Radar supplied imaging, altimetry, and radiometry. Radio links contribute information about intervening material and gravity fields. Other instruments measure electromagnetic fields and the properties of plasma, energetic particles, and dust particles. The Probe is spin- stabilized. It returns data via S-band link to the Orbiter. The Probe's six instruments include sensors to determine atmospheric physical properties and composition. Radiometric and optical sensors will provide data on thermal balance and obtain images of Titan's atmosphere and surface. Doppler measurements between Probe and Orbiter will provide wind profiles. Surface sensors will measure impact acceleration, thermal and electrical properties, and, if the surface is liquid, density and refractive index.

Citation Download Citation

Leonard D. Jaffe and Linda M. Herrell "Cassini/Huygens science instruments", Proc. SPIE 2803, Cassini/Huygens: A Mission to the Saturnian Systems, (7 October 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.253410

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available