Cassini at Saturn Interactive Explorer - Updated!

If this is the first time you've tried CASSIE, when you click on the button below it will automatically download and install the needed software (a free plug-in to your web-browser) and real Cassini mission data. The initial download is about 9 megabytes so it should only take a minute or two. (If you use a Mac you may need to install the software after it downloads and then restart your web-browser.) Once the plug-in is installed and the mission data is loaded, you're ready for your trip to the Saturn System.When CASSIE appears in your web browser, click on one of the three Modes located in the large tab along the bottom of the screen.The "Mission Mode" shows the spacecraft as it orbits the Saturn System from 2005 through 2010. When spacecraft pointing information is available (currently from January 1st, 2005 through October 18th, 2008), you can watch how Cassini rotates and positions itself to photograph its targets and collect a variety of scientific data. You can move back in time to see where Cassini has been and what it did, or you can "look" into the future to observe where Cassini is going and what it will do. Each time you enter the "Mission Mode" you begin at the current date and time.Users can switch between several camera angles to see Cassini fly by Saturn and its moons. When in the "overhead view" click on any of the moons' labels to watch the "action" from that moon. Or click on the spacecraft button to get the "view from Cassini" and see what it would look like if you were "riding along" with the spacecraft.When using the "view from Cassini" camera angle, you can click on the "Laser Range Finder" tab to expose the controls of a "virtual instrument" we added to CASSIE so you can measure the distance from the spacecraft to any of the moons visible on the screen or to Saturn simply by clicking on a "target." Using the "High Power" mode will allow you to "draw" on the "target" by clicking and dragging the mouse. To disable the range finder just click on the tab's title. (Don't worry about altering the images; they'll reset to the originals when you exit the Mission Mode.)The "Moon Mode" gives an in-depth peek at seven of Saturn's largest moons, providing useful facts and interactive surface views of each moon. Links to additional information about each moon are also provided.The "Spacecraft Mode" highlights then describes several science instruments on board the Cassini Spacecraft. Clicking on a highlighted instrument reveals a shaded, 3D model that can be rotated and zoomed at will. Photographs and links to additional information about the instruments are provided.