Question

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning with one or more complete sentences. The Cassini spacecraft (a) flew past Pluto; (b) landed on Mars; (c) is orbiting Saturn.

Short answer

(c) The Cassini spacecraft orbited Saturn.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Option (a)

Option (a) states that the Cassini spacecraft flew past Pluto. The Cassini spacecraft was a NASA mission launched to study Saturn and its system, including its rings and moons. It did not fly past Pluto; this was accomplished by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. Therefore, option (a) is incorrect.

Analyze Option (b)

Option (b) claims that the Cassini spacecraft landed on Mars. The Cassini spacecraft was a mission specifically designed for studying Saturn, not Mars. NASA's missions that involved landing on Mars include the Mars rovers. As such, option (b) is also incorrect.

Analyze Option (c)

Option (c) states that the Cassini spacecraft is orbiting Saturn. This is the correct description of the Cassini mission, which involved launching the spacecraft to Saturn to study its atmosphere, rings, and moons. The spacecraft orbited Saturn for many years, providing extensive data before concluding its mission in 2017 by entering Saturn's atmosphere.

Key concepts

Saturn exploration

The exploration of Saturn has always intrigued scientists due to its stunning rings and numerous moons. This gas giant, which stands as the second-largest planet in our solar system, offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of planetary systems. Thanks to missions like Cassini, we have had the opportunity to study Saturn's atmosphere, weather patterns, and ring composition in great detail.
Saturn exploration is significant because it provides insights into how planets form and evolve.

• Saturn's atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with traces of other gases.
• The planet has over 80 moons, with Titan being the largest and most Earth-like in terms of having a dense atmosphere.
• Understanding Saturn helps scientists refine models of solar system formation.

Exploring Saturn not only satisfies human curiosity but plays a crucial role in expanding our knowledge of the cosmos.

NASA missions

NASA's missions have been at the forefront of space exploration for decades, pushing the boundaries of what we consider possible. From sending humans to the Moon to exploring the outer planets, NASA's efforts have drastically expanded our understanding of space.
The Cassini mission is a brilliant example of NASA's success in planetary science missions. Launched in 1997, Cassini traveled over seven years to reach Saturn in 2004. Its journey included a flyby of Venus, Earth, and Jupiter before arriving at its main target.
These missions are about more than just the data they collect. They symbolize humanity's innate desire to explore and learn.

• Cassini provided incredible insights into Saturn's rings and moons.
• NASA missions like Cassini often involve international collaboration, highlighting the shared human interest in space.
• These missions inspire generations of scientists and engineers.

As we continue to explore, each mission builds on the last, paving the way for future exploration.

spacecraft mission objectives

The Cassini spacecraft was designed with several mission objectives to uncover the mysteries of Saturn and its environment. At its core, the mission aimed to enhance our understanding of this distant planet.
Here are some of the Cassini mission objectives:

• Study the composition and how the rings of Saturn are formed and maintained.
• Investigate the diverse range of Saturn's moons, particularly Titan and Enceladus, to explore their potential for harboring life.
• Analyze Saturn's atmosphere and weather phenomena, including the planet's magnetic field and auroras.

By successfully meeting these objectives, Cassini provided a wealth of data that propelled our knowledge of planetary science forward. The mission’s findings have practical applications in understanding more about Earth and our own solar system.