Huygens spacecraft
The Huygens probe measured 2.7 metres across and was built like a shellfish: a hard shell to protect a delicate interior from extreme temperatures experienced during the descent through the atmosphere.
It consisted of two parts: the Entry Assembly Module and the Descent Module.
![Huygens Descent Module and shield](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2003/07/huygens_descent_module_and_shield/9244317-5-eng-GB/Huygens_Descent_Module_and_shield_article.jpg)
The Entry Assembly Module carried the equipment to control Huygens after the separation from Cassini, and had a shield that acted as a brake and as thermal protection.
The Descent Module contained the scientific instruments. The probe used three different parachutes in sequence during the descent.