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On this day in space: Cassini-Huygens launched for Saturn in 1997

The probe left Earth for Saturn with a European lander named Huygens aboard; seven years of travel before the first ring view.

On air: Kenji Moonfield and Vera Bullock on Late Night BBN
Published 10:47 PM ET, Thursday, October 15, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Space.com: “On this day in space! Oct. 15, 1997: NASA launches Cassini-Hugyens probe on 7-year voyage to Saturn”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:47 PM ET on Late Night BBN, by Kenji Moonfield and Vera Bullock.

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Space.comOn this day in space! Oct. 15, 1997: NASA launches Cassini-Hugyens probe on 7-year voyage to Saturn

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOn this day in nineteen ninety-seven, NASA launched the Cassini-Huygens probe on a seven-year trip to Saturn, according to Space.com.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentLook at this, the gold panels and the white dish are the outfit, and it walks in like it owns the whole planet.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIt's a spacecraft, Kenji. It's fine.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentWatch this, now we're behind it, just a little silhouette against Saturn, and the rings curve right around it like paparazzi.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOh, that angle is gorgeous. Run it back.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentYou said you didn't care.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHere it comes, the close pass, pale atmosphere and the rings wrapping around it as it settles into orbit. I've counted the rings twice.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentViral Score, nine point four. It lost half a point for seven years of travel and not one bathroom stop.