European Space Agency`s Huygens Probe Ready for Spectacular Mission to Titan

Mission managers for the European Space Agency`s (ESA`s) Huygens probe said the spacecraft is on course for its descent to Saturn`s mysterious moon Titan on Friday, Jan. 14. The probe, which detached from NASA`s Cassini orbiter last month, will be the first object to explore on-site the unique environment of Titan, whose chemistry is thought to be very similar to that of early Earth, before life formed. The data gathered during the probe`s 2 1/2 hour descent through Titan`s atmosphere will be transmitted from the probe to the Cassini orbiter and then back to Earth. (Jan. 13)

ESA coverage on NASA TV begins Jan. 14, 12 a.m. PT

+ Full schedule / NASA webcast of ESA TV

+ Visit ESA`s Huygens site for full updates + Latest Cassini news

+ Cassini mission site

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OZ