The Descent Module, with the carbon fibre ring structure that is part of the connection to the Cassini orbiter, is shown being check-fitted with the front shield. The brown-coloured tiles covering the shield provide thermal isolation for the shield's carbon fibre structure (not visible) from the intense heat of the shock wave during entry. The colour variation of the sponge-structured, glass/epoxy tiles, which arises in the manufacturing process, does not affect their insulation properties. The white patches of velcro used to attach a covering layer of multilayer insulation, which assures thermal isolation during the 7-year cruise phase from Earth (1AU) to Saturn (9AU) via Venus (0.6 AU), can also be seen. [Image Date: 01-01-97] [97.05.006-005]