Cassini Significant Events for 01/14/09 - 01/20/09

The most recent spacecraft telemetry was acquired on Jan. 20 from the Deep Space Network tracking complex at Goldstone, California. The Cassini spacecraft is in an excellent state of health and all subsystems are operating normally. Information on the present position and speed of the Cassini spacecraft may be found on the "Present Position" page at:
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/operations/present-position.cfm.

Wednesday, Jan. 14 (DOY 014):

Today marked the fourth anniversary of the Huygens Probe entry, descent, and data relay back in 2005.

Saturday, Jan. 17 (DOY 017):

An AACS Reaction Wheel Assembly (RWA) friction test of prime wheels
numbered 1, 2, and 4 executed today. Performed every 3 months, the
test was performed in the usual way -- with the RWAs spun up to 900
rpm in both directions and timed as they are allowed to spin down to
0 rpm. The results show a continuing trend of gradually increasing
friction levels, but were not significantly different from those of
previous tests.

Monday, Jan. 19 (DOY 019):

The annual AACS stellar reference unit calibration was performed
today. Data from the activity are currently being analyzed by the
spacecraft team and will be reported at a later date. An initial look
at the data indicates normal performance.

Tuesday, Jan. 20 (DOY 020):

Today Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) took composition
measurements of the low northern latitudes to study oxygen compounds,
in particular looking for the signature of ring rain. In addition,
CIRS took data for a far IR map to show the temperature variations in
Saturn's northern hemisphere.

The final integrated S52 sequence segments for orbits 115-117 are due
today. They will be delivered in their final form, as there is not
time for reintegration at a later date. The Science Operations Plan
(SOP) implementation process will begin immediately with instrument
teams beginning work on pointing designs. The official kickoff
meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2, with execution onboard the
spacecraft scheduled to begin on Jul. 23.

Visit the JPL Cassini home page for more information about the
Cassini Project: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/