How they steered cassini through saturns rings

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In summary, NASA is able to steer the Cassini spacecraft through Saturn's rings by sending constant signals and using thrusters for course corrections. They also planned the spacecraft's direction before launch and equipped it with a smart chip. They are able to avoid debris by steering through gaps in the rings. This is all made possible through the use of local radar and advanced computing technology. The people at mission control play a crucial role in controlling the probe and ensuring its successful journey.
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bozo the clown
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Was wondering how they steered cassini through saturns rings, on that note how do they know where these probes are at anyone time.
 
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umm.. UPS? instead of GPS, they probably have some Universal Positioning System? :rofl: hehe, but actually, i think they had already preplaned the direction the spacecraft would take, before it even was launched, and they always put some smart chip or something on there, much like the "Auto-Pilot" on airplanes these days. :wink:
 
  • #3
Brief answer (I'm sure someone could provide more details)...

NASA stays in constant contact with the spacecraft , sending instructions and receiving data. So, those signals allow NASA to confirm that the spacecraft is on-course.

The spacecraft is equipped with thrusters that allow for course corrections.
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/ spacecraft /index.cfm

Also note that they steered the spacecraft through one of the gaps in Saturn's rings so that they wouldn't hit the debris.
 
  • #4
Yes i find it amazing how they can steer this craft millions of miles away through the rings of Saturn what with the time delay too. One assumes they are using some kind of local radar and whatever else as well as a lot of computing to detect its course.
I guess that's why they have all those people with headphones and computers you see at the mission control controlling one probe.
I often wonder what all those people do.
 
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1. How did Cassini navigate through Saturn's rings?

Cassini used its onboard computer, known as the Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem (AACS), to precisely control its orientation and movements. It also used data from its instruments and cameras to map out the safest and most efficient paths through the rings.

2. Was there any danger in flying through Saturn's rings?

Yes, there was potential danger to the spacecraft due to the large amount of debris and small particles in the rings. To minimize this risk, Cassini used its high-gain antenna as a shield and also performed maneuvers to avoid the densest areas of the rings.

3. How long did it take for Cassini to fly through Saturn's rings?

The first dive through the rings took approximately 22 hours, with the spacecraft passing through the gap between Saturn and its innermost ring. Subsequent dives took around 7 hours each, as Cassini flew closer to the planet.

4. How did Cassini's instruments continue to function during the ring dives?

Cassini's instruments were designed to withstand the harsh environment of space, and they continued to function normally during the ring dives. However, some instruments, such as the cameras, were turned off to conserve power and protect them from potential damage.

5. What was the purpose of flying through Saturn's rings?

The ring dives allowed Cassini to collect valuable data and images from a new perspective. This data helped scientists better understand the composition and structure of Saturn's rings, as well as its interaction with the planet's atmosphere. It also provided the opportunity to study Saturn's magnetic field and gravity in more detail. Additionally, the ring dives served as a grand finale for the Cassini mission before it intentionally plunged into Saturn's atmosphere in 2017.

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