Cassini in the space chamber

The Cassini Orbiter Flight Model underwent testing in JPL's space simulator where it was subjected to the extreme temperatures and vacuum environment of space. Technicians preparing the spacecraft are standing below the Huygens Probe front shield covered with Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI). This will provide thermal protection during the 6 year cruise to Saturn, while the High Gain Antenna, visible on top of the Cassini, provides shadowing for all elements from the solar radiation. The Huygens Probe seen here is the Structural, Thermal & Pyro Model (STPM). [Image Date: 01-05-97] [97.07.002-005]