Cassini spacecraft in Earth swing

An artist rendering of the Cassini spacecraft entering orbit around Saturn. The two-story, $3.4 billion spacecraft carrying a load of deadly plutonium will zoom within 725 miles of Earth August 17, 1999 to gain momentum for the final leg of its meandering, seven-year voyage to Saturn. Cassini's return, two years after NASA launched the largest and most expensive unmanned spacecraft ever, poses virtually no risk, mission officials say. The probe will approach Earth at about 35,000 mph. Its speed will increase by about 11,000 mph after the swingby. (NASA)
An artist rendering of the Cassini spacecraft entering orbit around Saturn. The two-story, $3.4 billion spacecraft carrying a load of deadly plutonium will zoom within 725 miles of Earth August 17, 1999 to gain momentum for the final leg of its meandering, seven-year voyage to Saturn. Cassini's return, two years after NASA launched the largest and most expensive unmanned spacecraft ever, poses virtually no risk, mission officials say. The probe will approach Earth at about 35,000 mph. Its speed will increase by about 11,000 mph after the swingby. (NASA)
Cassini spacecraft in Earth swing
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Credit:
NASA / Handout
Editorial #:
906570
Collection:
Getty Images Sport
Date created:
August 17, 1999
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Source:
Getty Images North America
Object name:
nasacassini2_20010630_00136.jpg