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Saturn Tour Dates: 2016

Spacecraft Event Time

This page contains the Saturn tour dates for 2016. Dates are listed in Spacecraft Event Time (SCET), which is the time the something happens at the spacecraft based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

January 1, 2016 - Orbit 229

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 94,000 km; 58,000 mi) of moon Aegaeon
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 97,000 km; 60,000 mi) of moon Pan
  • Protective measures to ensure safe passage through area of increased ring particle concentration
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (160,000 km; 100,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (155,000 km; 96,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 229
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 110,000 km; 68,000 mi) of moon Pandora
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 28,000 km; 17,000 mi) of moon Methone
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 39,000 km; 24,000 mi) of moon Tethys

January 6, 2016 - Orbit 229

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,910,000 km; 1,180,000 mi wrt Saturn)

January 7, 2016 - Orbit 230

  • Farthest distance (2,000,000 km; 1,200,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 230

January 12, 2016 - Orbit 230

  • Cassini short engine burn number 436 to stay on course

January 13, 2016 - Orbit 230

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 115,000 km; 71,000 mi) of moon Calypso
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 72,000 km; 45,000 mi) of moon Enceladus
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 28,000 km; 17,000 mi) of moon Mimas
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 94,000 km; 59,000 mi) of moon Atlas

January 14, 2016 - Orbit 230

  • Protective measures to ensure safe passage through area of increased ring particle concentration
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (160,000 km; 100,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (155,000 km; 96,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 230
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 23,000 km; 14,000 mi) of moon Daphnis
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 14,000 km; 9,000 mi) of moon Telesto

January 15, 2016 - Orbit 230

  • Close flyby (altitude = 3,817 km; 2,372 mi) of moon Titan

January 16, 2016 - Orbit 230

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,580,000 km; 980,000 mi wrt Saturn)

January 18, 2016 - Orbit 230

  • Cassini short engine burn number 437 to stay on course

January 21, 2016 - Orbit 231

  • Farthest distance (2,200,000 km; 1,400,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 231

January 23, 2016 - Orbit 231

  • Cassini short engine burn number 438 to stay on course

January 28, 2016 - Orbit 231

  • Cassini short engine burn number 439 to stay on course

January 29, 2016 - Orbit 231

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (220,000 km; 130,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (210,000 km; 131,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 231

January 30, 2016 - Orbit 231

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 117,000 km; 72,000 mi) of moon Pan
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 105,000 km; 65,000 mi) of moon Polydeuces

January 31, 2016 - Orbit 231

  • Close flyby (altitude = 1,400 km; 870 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,270,000 km; 790,000 mi wrt Saturn)

February 3, 2016 - Orbit 231

  • Cassini short engine burn number 440 to stay on course

February 6, 2016 - Orbit 232

  • Farthest distance (2,200,000 km; 1,400,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 232

February 8, 2016 - Orbit 232

  • Cassini short engine burn number 441 to stay on course

February 13, 2016 - Orbit 232

  • Cassini short engine burn number 442 to stay on course

February 14, 2016 - Orbit 232

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 77,000 km; 48,000 mi) of moon Polydeuces
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 49,000 km; 30,000 mi) of moon Telesto
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 116,000 km; 72,000 mi) of moon Epimetheus
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (250,000 km; 150,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (229,000 km; 142,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 232
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 84,000 km; 52,000 mi) of moon Enceladus

February 16, 2016 - Orbit 232

  • Close flyby (altitude = 1,018 km; 633 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,240,000 km; 770,000 mi wrt Saturn)

February 19, 2016 - Orbit 232

  • Cassini short engine burn number 443 to stay on course

February 26, 2016 - Orbit 233

  • Farthest distance (2,800,000 km; 1,800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 233

March 8, 2016 - Orbit 233

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 426,000 km; 265,000 mi) of moon Titan

March 9, 2016 - Orbit 233

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (430,000 km; 270,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (359,000 km; 223,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 233

March 11, 2016 - Orbit 233

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,230,000 km; 760,000 mi wrt Saturn)

March 21, 2016 - Orbit 234

  • Farthest distance (2,800,000 km; 1,800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 234

March 25, 2016 - Orbit 234

  • Cassini short engine burn number 444 to stay on course

April 1, 2016 - Orbit 234

  • Cassini short engine burn number 445 to stay on course

April 2, 2016 - Orbit 234

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (430,000 km; 270,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (361,000 km; 224,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 234

April 4, 2016 - Orbit 234

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Close flyby (altitude = 990 km; 615 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,230,000 km; 760,000 mi wrt Saturn)

April 7, 2016 - Orbit 234

  • Cassini short engine burn number 446 to stay on course

April 18, 2016 - Orbit 235

  • Farthest distance (3,400,000 km; 2,100,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 235

April 22, 2016 - Orbit 235

  • Cassini short engine burn number 447 to stay on course

May 3, 2016 - Orbit 235

  • Cassini short engine burn number 448 to stay on course
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (660,000 km; 410,000 mi wrt Saturn)

May 4, 2016 - Orbit 235

  • Closest distance (491,000 km; 305,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 235

May 6, 2016 - Orbit 235

  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Close flyby (altitude = 971 km; 603 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,220,000 km; 760,000 mi wrt Saturn)

May 9, 2016 - Orbit 235

  • Cassini short engine burn number 449 to stay on course

May 20, 2016 - Orbit 236

  • Farthest distance (3,300,000 km; 2,000,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 236

May 22, 2016 - Orbit 236

  • Cassini short engine burn number 450 to stay on course

June 4, 2016 - Orbit 236

  • Cassini short engine burn number 451 to stay on course
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (850,000 km; 530,000 mi wrt Saturn)

June 5, 2016 - Orbit 236

  • Closest distance (591,000 km; 367,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 236
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

June 7, 2016 - Orbit 236

  • Close flyby (altitude = 975 km; 606 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind the moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,220,000 km; 760,000 mi wrt Saturn)

June 11, 2016 - Orbit 236

  • Cassini short engine burn number 452 to stay on course

June 17, 2016 - Orbit 237

  • Farthest distance (2,600,000 km; 1,600,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 237

June 27, 2016 - Orbit 237

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (870,000 km; 540,000 mi wrt Saturn)

June 28, 2016 - Orbit 237

  • Closest distance (630,000 km; 392,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 237

June 29, 2016 - Orbit 237

  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn

July 1, 2016 - Orbit 237

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,220,000 km; 760,000 mi wrt Saturn)

July 10, 2016 - Orbit 238

  • Farthest distance (2,600,000 km; 1,600,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 238

July 16, 2016 - Orbit 238

  • Cassini short engine burn number 453 to stay on course

July 21, 2016 - Orbit 238

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (870,000 km; 540,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Cassini short engine burn number 454 to stay on course

July 22, 2016 - Orbit 238

  • Closest distance (630,000 km; 391,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 238

July 23, 2016 - Orbit 238

  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn

July 25, 2016 - Orbit 238

  • Close flyby (altitude = 976 km; 606 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

July 27, 2016 - Orbit 238

  • Cassini short engine burn number 455 to stay on course

July 30, 2016 - Orbit 239

  • Farthest distance (1,900,000 km; 1,200,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 239

August 1, 2016 - Orbit 239

  • Cassini short engine burn number 456 to stay on course

August 6, 2016 - Orbit 239

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (670,000 km; 420,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Cassini short engine burn number 457 to stay on course

August 7, 2016 - Orbit 239

  • Closest distance (561,000 km; 348,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 239

August 8, 2016 - Orbit 239

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

August 10, 2016 - Orbit 239

  • Close flyby (altitude = 1,599 km; 994 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

August 13, 2016 - Orbit 240

  • Farthest distance (1,600,000 km; 1,000,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 240
  • Cassini short engine burn number 458 to stay on course

August 18, 2016 - Orbit 240

  • Cassini short engine burn number 459 to stay on course

August 19, 2016 - Orbit 240

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (500,000 km; 310,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 826,000 km; 513,000 mi) of moon Titan
  • Closest distance (454,000 km; 282,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 240

August 20, 2016 - Orbit 240

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

August 22, 2016 - Orbit 240

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

August 25, 2016 - Orbit 241

  • Farthest distance (1,600,000 km; 1,000,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 241

August 30, 2016 - Orbit 241

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 986,000 km; 613,000 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (500,000 km; 310,000 mi wrt Saturn)

August 31, 2016 - Orbit 241

  • Closest distance (454,000 km; 282,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 241

September 1, 2016 - Orbit 241

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

September 3, 2016 - Orbit 241

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

September 6, 2016 - Orbit 242

  • Farthest distance (1,600,000 km; 1,000,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 242

September 11, 2016 - Orbit 242

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (500,000 km; 310,000 mi wrt Saturn)

September 12, 2016 - Orbit 242

  • Closest distance (454,000 km; 282,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 242

September 13, 2016 - Orbit 242

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn

September 15, 2016 - Orbit 242

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

September 18, 2016 - Orbit 243

  • Farthest distance (1,600,000 km; 1,000,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 243

September 22, 2016 - Orbit 243

  • Cassini short engine burn number 460 to stay on course

September 23, 2016 - Orbit 243

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (500,000 km; 310,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 110,000 km; 68,000 mi) of moon Polydeuces

September 24, 2016 - Orbit 243

  • Closest distance (454,000 km; 282,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 243

September 25, 2016 - Orbit 243

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn

September 26, 2016 - Orbit 243

  • Close flyby (altitude = 1,737 km; 1,079 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

September 29, 2016 - Orbit 244

  • Farthest distance (1,400,000 km; 900,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 244
  • Cassini short engine burn number 461 to stay on course

October 3, 2016 - Orbit 244

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 877,000 km; 545,000 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (350,000 km; 220,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 107,000 km; 66,000 mi) of moon Helene
  • Closest distance (337,000 km; 209,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 244

October 4, 2016 - Orbit 244

  • Cassini short engine burn number 462 to stay on course
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

October 6, 2016 - Orbit 244

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

October 8, 2016 - Orbit 245

  • Farthest distance (1,400,000 km; 900,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 245

October 13, 2016 - Orbit 245

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (350,000 km; 220,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (337,000 km; 210,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 245

October 14, 2016 - Orbit 245

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Oct. 16, 2016 - Orbit 245
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

October 18, 2016 - Orbit 246

  • Farthest distance (1,400,000 km; 900,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 246

October 22, 2016 - Orbit 246

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (350,000 km; 220,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 59,000 km; 37,000 mi) of moon Telesto
  • Closest distance (337,000 km; 209,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 246

October 24, 2016 - Orbit 246

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

October 25, 2016 - Orbit 246

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

October 27, 2016 - Orbit 247

  • Farthest distance (1,400,000 km; 900,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 247

October 29, 2016 - Orbit 247

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 860,000 km; 535,000 mi) of moon Titan

November 1, 2016 - Orbit 247

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 104,000 km; 65,000 mi) of moon Telesto
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 107,000 km; 66,000 mi) of moon Polydeuces
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (350,000 km; 220,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (337,000 km; 209,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 247

November 2, 2016 - Orbit 247

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

November 4, 2016 - Orbit 247

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

November 6, 2016 - Orbit 248

  • Farthest distance (1,400,000 km; 900,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 248

November 9, 2016 - Orbit 248

  • Cassini short engine burn number 463 to stay on course

November 10, 2016 - Orbit 248

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (350,000 km; 220,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 102,000 km; 64,000 mi) of moon Tethys

November 11, 2016 - Orbit 248

  • Closest distance (337,000 km; 209,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 248

November 12, 2016 - Orbit 248

  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

November 13, 2016 - Orbit 248

  • Close flyby (altitude = 1,582 km; 983 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

November 15, 2016 - Orbit 249

  • Farthest distance (1,300,000 km; 800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 249

November 16, 2016 - Orbit 249

  • Cassini short engine burn number 464 to stay on course

November 19, 2016 - Orbit 249

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 47,000 km; 29,000 mi) of moon Mimas
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (220,000 km; 140,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 86,000 km; 53,000 mi) of moon Daphnis
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 73,000 km; 45,000 mi) of moon Methone
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 93,000 km; 58,000 mi) of moon Pandora
  • Closest distance (218,000 km; 136,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 249
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

November 21, 2016 - Orbit 249

  • Cassini short engine burn number 465 to stay on course
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

November 23, 2016 - Orbit 250

  • Farthest distance (1,300,000 km; 800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 250

November 26, 2016 - Orbit 250

  • Cassini short engine burn number 466 to stay on course

November 27, 2016 - Orbit 250

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 86,000 km; 53,000 mi) of moon Epimetheus
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 22,000 km; 14,000 mi) of moon Enceladus
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (220,000 km; 140,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (219,000 km; 136,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 250
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

November 29, 2016 - Orbit 250

  • Close flyby (altitude = 3,223 km; 2,003 mi) of moon Titan
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

November 30, 2016 - Orbit 251

  • Farthest distance (1,300,000 km; 800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 251
  • Series of 20 orbits with periapses / ring crossings just outside F ring

December 4, 2016 - Orbit 251

  • Cassini short engine burn number 467 to stay on course
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 50,000 km; 31,000 mi) of moon Methone
  • Protective measures to ensure safe passage through area of increased ring particle concentration. High gain antenna used like umbrella to shield Cassini
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (150,000 km; 90,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (152,000 km; 94,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 251
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 57,000 km; 35,000 mi) of moon Pan
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

December 6, 2016 - Orbit 251

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

December 7, 2016 - Orbit 252

  • Farthest distance (1,300,000 km; 800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 252

December 11, 2016 - Orbit 252

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 101,000 km; 63,000 mi) of moon Prometheus
  • Protective measures to ensure safe passage through area of increased ring particle concentration. High gain antenna used like umbrella to shield Cassini
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 95,000 km; 59,000 mi) of moon Pallene
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (150,000 km; 90,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Closest distance (152,000 km; 94,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 252

December 12, 2016 - Orbit 252

  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

December 14, 2016 - Orbit 252

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

December 15, 2016 - Orbit 253

  • Farthest distance (1,300,000 km; 800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 253
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 343,000 km; 213,000 mi) of moon Titan

December 18, 2016 - Orbit 253

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 98,000 km; 61,000 mi) of moon Aegaeon
  • Protective measures to ensure safe passage through area of increased ring particle concentration
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (150,000 km; 90,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 14,000 km; 9,000 mi) of moon Pandora
  • Closest distance (151,000 km; 94,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 253
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 110,000 km; 68,000 mi) of moon Janus
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 93,000 km; 58,000 mi) of moon Pan

December 19, 2016 - Orbit 253

  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings

December 21, 2016 - Orbit 253

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

December 22, 2016 - Orbit 254

  • Farthest distance (1,300,000 km; 800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 254

December 23, 2016 - Orbit 254

  • Cassini short engine burn number 468 to stay on course

December 25, 2016 - Orbit 254

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 88,000 km; 55,000 mi) of moon Enceladus
  • Protective measures to ensure safe passage through area of increased ring particle concentration
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 41,000 km; 25,000 mi) of moon Mimas
  • Cassini passage through ring plane [North to South] (150,000 km; 90,000 mi wrt Saturn)
  • Distant flyby (altitude = 32,000 km; 20,000 mi) of moon Aegaeon
  • Closest distance (150,000 km; 93,000 mi) to Saturn on rev number 254

December 26, 2016 - Orbit 254

  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Sun as it passes behind Saturn’s Rings
  • Cassini views the Earth as it passes behind Saturn

December 28, 2016 - Orbit 254

  • Cassini passage through ring plane [South to North] (1,210,000 km; 750,000 mi wrt Saturn)

December 29, 2016 - Orbit 255

  • Farthest distance (1,300,000 km; 800,000 mi) from Saturn. Start rev number 255

December 31, 2016 - Orbit 255

  • Distant flyby (altitude = 682,000 km; 424,000 mi) of moon Titan