Huygens probe at Titan. Artist's impression of the main parachute of the Huygens probe opening in the atmosphere of Titan,the largest moon of Saturn. The heat-shield of the probe is still glowing after the atmospheric entry phase. Travelling at Mach 1.5 (1440 km/h),Huygens has just deployed its 8.3-metre diameter main parachute. Within 30 seconds,the probe's descent speed will drop to Mach 0.6 (580 km/h),and the heat-shield will be released. Huygens will then spend 15 minutes taking various measurements of Titan's nitrogen and methane atmosphere. Huygens is a European project,part of NASA's Cassini spacecraft,and will arrive at Titan on 27 November 2004 | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library |
Taille de l’image : | 2400 px × 1800 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |