An Overview of Space Exploration
| Mission | Country | Launch Date | Arrival Date | Type | Encounter Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer 11 | USA | April 6, 1973 | September 1, 1979 | Flyby | Transmitted low-resolution images and other data about Saturn. Discovered additional rings and moons not previously known |
| Voyager 1 | USA | September 5, 1977 | November 13, 1980 | Flyby | 900 images of Saturn's moons Major discoveries were the unexpected complexity of the rings and the true nature of Titan's atmosphere. |
| Voyager 2 | USA | August 20, 1977 | August 26, 1981 | Flyby | 1150 images of Saturn's moons Had a scan platform malfunction, yet virtually all objectives were met. |
| Cassini | USA, ESA, Italy | October 13, 1997 | July 1, 2004 | Orbiter/Atmospheric probe | 12 science experiments will help scientists understand Saturn's moons, rings, atmosphere, and magnetosphere. Huygens, an atmospheric probe carried aboard Cassini, will parachute through Titan's atmosphere. |
An Overview of Space Exploration
Last modified January 12, 2005 by Randy Russell.
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