Science & Technology: A Synergic Cooperation. The Italian Experience in the Cassini Mission

Abstract

The successful insertion of the Cassini mission into the orbit around Saturn, on July 1st 2004, marked the end of a long journey across the solar system, started in October 1997, and the beginning of the scientific exploration of the Saturn system. During the long transfer, several instruments have been operated whenever the possibility of a scientific investigation was envisaged by the scientists. The results achieved during the cruise, in particular those related to the field of Relativity, have also demonstrated the excellent characteristics of the instruments, allowing unprecedented levels of accuracy in the measurements. The Italian provided instruments have already played a key roles during the cruise, and are expected to provide their contribution to unveil the mysteries of Saturn and its moons, above all Titan. Italian industries have also provided mission elements, fundamental for the Cassini Mission success. The Italian participation to the Cassini mission has been carried on through a specific NASA-ASI Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 23rd of June 1993, for the implementation of the contribution to the Cassini Orbiter. Furthermore, as a member state of ESA, Italian scientists and industry participate to the realization of the Huygens Probe. It is quite remarkable how, since the very beginning of the program, at the end of the 80’s, the Italian Space Agency, the scientific community and the national industry have cooperated in a highly synergic way, motivated by the shared goal of an important and successful participation to the Cassini and Huygens missions. After a general description of the mission, this paper will provide an overview of the Italian scientific, industrial and technological participation.