An image of the Cassini spacecraft.
Click on image for full size
Courtesy of NASA

Cassini is Off!
News story originally written on October 16, 1997

Cassini has begun its 2.2 billion-mile journey to Saturn. Cassini was launched on a Titan rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station early in the morning on October 15, 1997.

The Cassini probe is one of the largest interplanetary spacecraft ever launched. It is about two stories tall and weighs more than six tons! Efforts have truly been collaborated for this mission as there are over 33 U.S.states and 16 countries among Cassini contributors.

The Cassini mission will cost 3.3 billion dollars when all is said and done. By studying Saturn's planetary system, scientists hope to learn more about the solar system that is Earth's home.

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