Ep 9. Cassini's Grand Finale

The Best Of NASA continues its exploration of the universe, diving deep into the amazing feats and discoveries made by some of the brightest minds of our time. In season 2 episode 9, viewers will get to witness something truly spectacular as the space agency pulls off one of its most daring missions.

The episode is called "Cassini's Grand Finale" and it follows the final days of the Cassini spacecraft as it performs one last mission before its retirement. After spending 13 years studying Saturn and its moons, Cassini embarked on a final journey that would see it plunge into the planet's atmosphere and send back data that could unlock some of the mysteries of our solar system.

The episode starts by introducing viewers to the Cassini spacecraft and its history. Launched in 1997, Cassini spent seven years travelling to Saturn before entering into orbit in 2004. From there, it spent over a decade collecting data on Saturn's atmosphere, rings, and moons.

Viewers will get a detailed look at some of the stunning imagery captured by Cassini. They will see the strange hexagonal storm at Saturn's north pole, the towering plumes of water vapor on its moon Enceladus, and the intricate patterns of its rings. They will also learn about some of the discoveries made by Cassini, such as the presence of an underground ocean on Enceladus and the possibility of life existing on its moons.

The episode then shifts its focus to Cassini's final days. Viewers will see the spacecraft's last moments as it hurtles towards Saturn's atmosphere at a speed of 77,000 miles per hour. For the team at NASA, it was a nerve-wracking time as they waited for the signal from Cassini to go silent.

But before Cassini's final transmission, it continued to send back data about Saturn's atmosphere, providing scientists with unprecedented insights into the planet's composition. They will learn about the measurements taken by the spacecraft and how they were used to create a 3D map of Saturn's magnetic fields. They will also see how scientists used the data to learn more about the planet's composition and what lies beneath its heavy atmosphere.

The episode ends on a bittersweet note, as viewers learn about the aftermath of Cassini's plunge. They will see how NASA used the data collected by the spacecraft to update its models of Saturn and its moons. They will also learn about the legacy of the Cassini mission, and how it has inspired a new generation of scientists and explorers.

Overall, "Cassini's Grand Finale" is an inspiring look at one of NASA's most daring missions. Viewers will be amazed by the stunning imagery captured by the spacecraft, as well as the scientific discoveries made by the team at NASA. They will also be moved by the dedication shown by the scientists and engineers who worked on the Cassini mission, who pushed the limits of what was possible and brought us closer than ever before to understanding the mysteries of our universe.