The HUYGENS mission - Space history in many ways

Paper number

IAC-05-A3.2.A.02

Author

Ms. Anne marie Schipper, Thales Alenia Space, France

Year

2005

Abstract

The HUYGENS mission has in 2005 arrived at its final destination, hence taking humanity a step closer to the revelation of life’s origins. This mission has proven a large step in the history of space due to its unprecedented mission achievements. It now holds the record of the man-made element to have been put on a surface farthest away from our Earth. 

The HUYGENS road to its destination has been long and eventful, though during the last years comfortably on the back of the CASSINI spacecraft. From the initial science propositions to the ultimate many hours stay on Titan’s surface, more than 20 years have past. The CASSINI-HUYGENS mission is a cooperation between NASA, ESA and ASI and is dedicated to the exploration of the Saturnian system. 

The HUYGENS probe is an atmospheric entry probe directed towards Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. Its mission objective is directed on scientific observations and measurements during the parachuted descent phase. Titan atmosphere characteristics and mission inherent features have enforced the need to defeat numerous technological challenges. Among the challenging features of the programme are the intrinsic difficulties related to harsh atmosphere entry conditions, the need for a stable parachuted descent through the lower atmosphere and the need for a robust architecture ensuring unparalleled autonomy to get by the operational limitations related to the immense distance and the dynamic characteristics of the mission requests. 

Up to the very last minute before HUYGENS’ arrival at Titan, intensive efforts in both agency and industry have continued such to ensure the overall system performance with the renewed knowledge of, among others, the Titan atmospheric conditions. In parallel, extensive health assessments have been executed very frequently, leading to a condition of perfect system functionality and health of all probe systems upon the moment of separation from CASSINI, end of 2004. 

The vastly strong and extensive international cooperation between agencies, industry and institutes is root to the CASSINI-HUYGENS success. Over 40 companies and institutes, in 17 countries have achieved to overcome the HUYGENS technological challenges in a more than successful manner. Launched in 1997, the CASSINI spacecraft has proven in excellent shape and its scientific return is of endless value. The HUYGENS probe has proven likewise of exceptional competence.

Abstract document

IAC-05-A3.2.A.02.pdf

Manuscript document

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