NASA extended the mission of the Cassini probe.

Scientists note that if successful, the total time of the apparatus in orbit exceed 13 years, approximately half Saturnian year. Such long-term monitoring will enable researchers to obtain unique information about the annual cycle of the gas giant and its effects on satellites.

A total of Cassini around Saturn to make 155 revolutions. During this time the apparatus 54 times draw closer to Titan and 11 — from Enceladus. Annually work with the staff planned to allocate $ 60 million.

Apparatus Cassini was launched from Cape Canaveral in 1997. The orbits of the gas giant, he reached in 2004. Since the beginning of the probe made 125 revolutions around the gas giant, and 8 times came closer to Enceladus and 67 — with Titan. In total, the device transmitting to the Earth about 210 thousand photos and a large amount of scientific information.