KSC-97PC1112

Flight mechanics from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., lift the Cassini spacecraft along with its launch vehicle adapter in KSC’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The black conical-shaped adapter seen at the bottom of the spacecraft will later be mated to a Titan IV/Centaur expendable launch vehicle that will lift Cassini into space. Scheduled for launch in October, the Cassini mission seeks insight into the origins and evolution of the early solar system. Scientific instruments carried aboard the spacecraft will study Saturn’s atmosphere, magnetic field, rings, and several moons. JPL is managing the Cassini project for NASA