JPL and the Space Age: Triumph at Saturn (Part I)

Chronicling the story of NASA’s Cassini mission, this is the latest in our series of documentaries, “JPL and the Space Age.” These films use rare archival footage and interviews with pioneering engineers and scientists from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in retelling the stories of many of humanity’s first steps into the cosmos.
Part I of this two-part story will premiere here on Oct. 15, 2021 at 3 p.m. Pacific time; part II will premiere here at the same time on Oct. 22: • JPL and the Space Age:... .
Other films in this series are available for viewing at www.jpl.nasa.gov/who-we-are/d.... “Triumph at Saturn” is planned to be added to this collection in the near future.

[@zoepaulastrassfield2664]

As someone born in 1993, I really grew up with the Cassini mission and it’s only looking back now that I realize what a big part of my life it was. When I was very young in Elementary School, I found a book about the solar system at the school library with a blurb about how the Huygens probe would land on Titan and nobody knew what was below the clouds. The book speculated that maybe it would land in an ocean and had art of that, and that night in my bathtub I lowered a toy slowly like it was a probe on a parachute, pretending my bathwater was the ocean of Titan. I was 11 and just starting Middle School when Cassini-Huygens entered Saturn orbit and I remember newspaper clippings with images of Phoebe on the bulletin boards at school. I remember watching the (PBS?) live broadcast of the first images from Titan and that over the credits they showed drawings from a children’s art competition trying to imagine what it would find. In High School, I made a model of Cassini for a world history project, using a can as the spacecraft body, a coffee filter as the main antenna, and popsicle sticks and bits of wire as the various booms and instruments. For most of what I think of as my intellectually-developed life, from Middle School until grad school, I could log onto a computer every week or even every day and see new pictures of the Saturn system from Cassini on space and science websites. It’s only in the past few years since 2017 with Cassini gone that I realize how used to that I became and how much I miss it now.

[@halian9256]

I don't know how to put this exactly, but whenever I see the triumphs of astronomy and space exploration, it gives me new hope that humanity can still be a positive force. Regardless of all the evils and hurt we cause on Earth, if there is one team here who has the vision to look beyond the Earth to find and see the impossible, there is still hope for us. I am so thankful and proud of you guys. I hope more people will come to realise that space exploration is not a waste of money, it is not a case of "we should solve the problems on Earth before we look beyond it", it is a case of exploring beyond Earth is how we can come to realise we have greater things we can do besides any achievements and failings we have on Earth. Looking beyond is how we can transcend Earthly concerns.

[@PlanetaryExplorer]

YESSS

[@billwells1418]

There may come a time in the future (perhaps 100 years)from now when humans have conquered and are living on a different planet in our solar system,and that most likely being Mars perhaps. When we look back and see how things were being managed in 1900, I'm sure people back then would freak at the idea that we landed on the moon and have sent spacecraft to other planets and beyond. How do you think people back then would react to the idea that everyone now have a personal cellphone that can communicate to others on the other side of the planet? So having that in mind,we can only dream of what it would be like to live and survive on a planet far away from Earth. Someday this will be reality for many humans and we all who are on Earth now will be long gone by then.I can only dream and hope all humans will have the chance to cohabitate and live in peace with each other.

[@CHADMicDUP]

Agreed & well said.

[@davidelliott5843]

All the fuss about radio isotopes is so ridiculous. They are anti-scientific operators who want the human race to revert to medieval technology.

[@jackwardrop4994]

I'm 6 minutes in and can't believe the depth and quality of this.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Same here 🙂 it’s incredible isn’t it!! (Totally unnecessary and incorrect exclamation marks, but I couldn’t help myself)

[@Pedro_Santo]

@@SecretSquirrelFun I agree!!!

[@therugburnz]

I'm in 35 & this is one of the best docs I've seen since NOVA in the 70's

[@renecuevas4128]

I m exactly 610 sec in the video n love it ,,,m,,,why some people dislike it idk????the quality n time consuming part of putting this together is amazingly great. Tnks

[@skrillgorefuski]

That’s because you have lost the ability to think for yourself.

[@brianw612]

I followed this mission as a casual observer from about 5 years before launch. The thing was the size of a school bus. I remember the awe of the first images of Titan, a real world with an atmosphere. An amazing accomplishment by all involved.

[@jasperzanjani]

you're an OG space nerd

[@markshaw270]

Og/older gangster and nerd do not go together lol.

[@wucherer]

What do you know of it's power supply from it's 3 RTU units?

[@brianw612]

@@wucherer Do you mean RTG units? Radioisotope thermoelectric generators. They are thermo couples using the seebeck effect, (two dissimilar metals with a temperature difference at their conjunction creates electrical current) hot side is the decay of plutonium 238, cold side is the vacuum of space. About 600W at mission end. Wikipedia-Cassini-Huygens.

[@alanfoster6589]

I was there the day the first pictures started coming in. Everyone was glued to the monitors except...this well-dressed elderly gentleman in back, who kept fiddling with the instrumentation. I watched him for a bit, then thought I ought to alert someone. The tech I spoke with nodded as he looked at the chap and said, "Oh, that's Clyde Tombaugh. We let him do whatever he wants".

[@alanfoster6589]

Oops, my apologies. This was during the first Saturn flyby...not Cassini. I plead creeping senility....

[@finalmage6]

I'm always happy to see when someone took the time and had the forethought to document these DECADE long processes!

[@asadchoudhrya]

Lol

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

During a JPL open house decades ago, I got to photograph Cassini in the “clean room” (from the outside”)… a mesmerizing opportunity in its day. This program is stellar and the second one (perhaps others) can’t come soon enough. Thank you to all involved for the production value.

[@alexcarter8807]

I dunno if JPL is still doing open houses, but if you get the chance to go to one, go. There are lots of families there, and tons of interesting stuff.

[@aircastles1013]

So lucky!!

[@juliansullivan102]

What year was that?

[@kenmunozatmmrrailroad6853]

@@juliansullivan102 1995-ish

[@SpartanNat]

Oh boy, I bet you’re enjoying all the new JPL documentaries. They’re even releasing brand new ones made this year now. 😄

[@dwightdulsky7977]

Superb presentation, thank you for not going all "Hollywood". Well done and congrats to JPL!

[@thespicemelange.1]

Right? It's like when you watch the science channel today, it's all about shock and awe or trying to create some sort of drama, or as you put it, going "Hollywood". This is very refreshing.

[@takster050974]

Going all Hollywood is the best frase I heard in years. 😂 good one.

[@harrywalker5836]

heres a movie for you to look into.. prometheus.. this,is as real as it gets. historically.. this, is what the bible hides from you..to control you with bs & lies..

[@sadham2668]

@@thespicemelange.1 idk this is pretty aw inspiring

[@thespicemelange.1]

@@sadham2668 awe inspiring is different, as one is inspiring somebody and the other is doing it for dramatic affect.

[@Puuch44]

Love the Mass Effect Codex voice dude doing the narration! Great doc 👌

[@isakoqv]

Thank you! I was so sure I'd heard that voice somewhere but couldn't place it:)

[@marcelogaea1064]

Magnificent! Was 8 when my dad called me in from outdoor play to watch black and white footage of Apollo 11; the outer reaches have fascinated me since. Thank you so much for this, JPL.

[@OriginalStachuJones]

This is awesome. Thanks NASA! You're one of reasons I still believe in humanity

[@sticky59]

Your next order of the KoolAid has been processed and will be shipped on Tuesday ; )

[@JohnS-il1dr]

@@sticky59 and Tang thanks to the space program

[@zooblestyx]

Carolyn Porco was my first astronmy crush. Double the nostalgia.

[@ZhiYing_Geroniny]

I heard about Cassini before, but It is a day after Cassini's End of Mission that I fully understand. It has been more than 4 years, since I first know Cassini and I never thought that Cassini will ever change my future path. I have a deep desire to thanks the Cassini team in personal while also crying for Cassini time to time. So if I have a chance to talk to Cassini, I will sure to say thanks to her for changing my life in the critical time.

[@leawilliams8476]

Repent stop worshipping dead things. Revelation 17 is at hand. Wake up.

[@Wheeljack678]

I'm sitting here watching this documentary four years after Cassinis 13(!) year orbit of Saturn was successfully and intentionally ended, STILL nervous watching the launch and the waiting for confirmation signals mission control received. I already know how much of a success Cassini-Huygens was, but I am eagerly awaiting part 2 of this incredibly well-made documentary. No hollywood effects or fake dramatic moments. Just pure, wonderful objective facts.

[@ryansemplexyz]

What an incredibly well documented triumph by NASA, and all those who worked on the Cassini mission. Absolutely inspiring.

[@exospaceman8209]

The Cassini Huygens mission was a masterpiece of engineering and ingenuity 4-5 Years of planning 7 year journey to Saturn and a 13 years of exploring Saturn all the way till the end Sure there would be future orbiters and landers to Saturn but there won’t another spacecraft that taught us more and inspired our way to success than the Cassini mission It’s legacy not forgotten 1997-2017 It is now part of saturn

[@a13Banger]

What a WONDERFUL documentary! I was locked in place for the duration of this one. I would love others like this :) So amazing, so inspirational

[@manuelhumbertoluquecasanav8185]

Congratulations NASA JPL. Cassini Mission is another success of NASA

[@manuelhumbertoluquecasanav8185]

We hope new discoveries at the Universe by NASA

[@andromeda121]

Rarest of rare occasion, this video took me back in time. I felt, I was there in this endeavor, actively participating in Cassini mission!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Seeing Caroline Porco is amazing. I remember seeing her talk at the very end of this project and seeing all of the incredible images taken. Just amazing to see her here right at the start, fabulous project to be a part of, a literal “once in a lifetime” experience. Also, Julie Webster....amazing, I’m so glad that they made this recording of these amazing people. Just so clever. I’d like to say thank you to each and every one of you, every person involved in this process and project.

[@abhaypathak8080]

Cassini wasn't just the spacecraft which carried instruments to saturn, it carried the emotions and hope of billions of people💓

[@atomsmurf]

This is truly a gem in scientific documentaries. An honest portrayal of an astonishing accomplishment. Please upload part two soon!

[@RV4aviator]

JPL...! An organisation where the brightest minds coalesce to undertake, design and achieve the almost impossible under huge monetary and commercial pressure.. Think you have what it takes..? Then dare to dream BIG...! I can only watch on in awe...! Thankyou JPL..! You inspire us all..

[@enzofitzhume7320]

Perfect example of what happens when the world comes together.

[@atarkus8]

Fantastic to see everything that was going on behind the scenes. Cassini is the only robot I've felt some sort of emotional attachment to, as this mission is something I've followed from before it launched. I was just a teenager fascinated by space back then, and now I'm 40... The Cassini assembly was the first webcam I ever watched, and I wonder how many other people did the same. I stayed up to watch the launch live, at what must have been 3am... It was a loooong wait for it to get to Saturn... I remember printing out large format images at work to show other coworkers... then it was a regular stream of fascinating updates on the ciclops website. And it must be said that the Cassini team was not above interacting with us regular people. It's been an honor to talk to Carolyn Porco several times. (Amazing that she finds the time to respond to emails!). No matter what was happening in my life I could always count on the images from Cassini giving me a sense of awe and wonder. Goodbye old friend.

[@kiwibass6207]

An amazing accomplishment! Thanks to those who participated in the Cassini mission and the people who produced this documentary.

[@sleepyheadfpv1507]

I absolutely love that JPL/NASA thinks to make these. Historic gems right here.

[@dr4d1s]

This was absolutely fantastic, great job everyone who worked on the project. I can't wait for part 2!

[@macking104]

Part 2 is on 22 October!

[@wavydavy9816]

Well said that man 👍 Even though I know the ending I'm finding it ridiculously exciting watching the build up to the burn 🤗 'Will it? Won't it?' 😬 edit: 'IT DID!!!!!'

[@jaredkinneyjr]

fake Jack Parsons Lab fuckery. NASA: "Going nowhere since 1958"

[@dr4d1s]

@@jaredkinneyjr It somehow does not surprise me that your playlists consist of NASCAR, conspiracy theories, anti Covid, and religious end-time videos. What does surprise me is you got the founding year of NASA right. I know better than to judge a book by its cover but here we are.

[@dr4d1s]

@Jupiter rules Your 2 braincells are fighting for 3rd place.

[@Muskar2]

Thanks Blaine Baggett and the rest of the team for producing and releasing this documentary on platforms beyond flow-TV, so that us international people get to share the awe of missions like this.

[@monsterlair]

Amazing doc, my eyes even welled up a couple of times.

[@vellexander4422]

"And as politicians well know, to take advantage of a photo op" killed me -- great documentary

[@88lynze]

I'd not long turned 18 when Cassini launched. I literally cried when it came to an end #spacegeek

[@twonumber22]

i got cancer and thought i was going to die before Webb launched 😭

[@twonumber22]

@Murph the Martian Mustelid I should be good for a while, thanks. _[taps wooden stand]_

[@leoh3616]

@@twonumber22 Wishing you all the best. I am sure James Webb will launch soon. And don´t forget the Starship Orbital, Artemis One, and many more to come in the meantime.

[@twonumber22]

@@leoh3616 I'm digging the Parker solar probe. The Wikipedia page on it is interesting.

[@leoh3616]

@@twonumber22 it is indeed. Read the one about d.a.r.t. next.

[@peterkossits4794]

I miss Cassini. Great documentary guys!

[@artyschopy]

So good, JPL! Excellently done. What a great idea to produce high quality videos about your epic missions.

[@PointofUncertainty]

In the scene at 26:10, the character mentions her boss putting up a poster that says "An Idle Spacecraft is a Devil's Playground" on their door. This quote, along with the character's curiosity about science and excitement, perfectly exemplifies why this person is the boss. It captures the inherent human desire for exploration and discovery, a quality that transcends age and defines what makes us human.

[@philipp7156]

I was and still am glued to this documentary. Thx NASA!

[@MaxVinstappen]

I didn’t expect to watch the whole thing, but it just was so captivating I couldn’t stop.

[@HoosierHacker]

Thank you for this. I have to share with my friends. Makes me happy to be human.

[@SanderHollebrand]

This is an absolutely epic documentary, incredible quality and insight in this awesome mission to Saturn. Thanks JPL!

[@gdroce8569]

It's work like this that keeps me pushing forward in the scientific field

[@maxrupo]

One of the best video/story I've seen in years. I'm literally crying. Thank you all guys. This is transcendence. This is spirituality. Science, once again, is the way to Wonder.

[@crookedhead3075]

Same.

[@tylero7158]

I love space and science, but it doesn’t come close to Jesus Christ. Science cannot get you into heaven.

[@tylero7158]

If anything, science is amazing because it explores the intricate details of God’s creation.

[@Luan-RT]

@@tylero7158 Please fam, do not let religion eat your brain. I know it's hard, but at least try.

[@tylero7158]

@@Luan-RT Why do you say that a relationship with Jesus is something I have to free myself from?

[@BoomedYetLush]

Fantastic! The series is brilliant.

[@buliameenoladayo3074]

Human being! What a specie. The creativities , imaginations and intelligences of this specie is beyond any comprehension. To all members of this incredible cassini team , thank you from the bottom of my heart. We are forever grateful for your accomplishments

[@toddmoore3818]

this show makes being a scientist or engineer exciting! thanks for the excellent video. make more of these please!!

[@alexcarter8807]

You want a real problem? How to keep Earth from becoming Venus. Go!

[@kukulroukul4698]

@@alexcarter8807 troll !

[@TheStockwell]

@@alexcarter8807 Right - as if the half a percent of the Federal budget NASA has to run ALL its programs with is enough to fix whatever you're bitching about, this week. Go - go away, goofy.

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

“Batten down the hatches” After hearing that particular report, I have to say that battening down the hatches sounds like the understatement of this century. “... hurricanes the size of the earth...”

[@philgroves7694]

Most excellent! This is what the internet was made for!

[@brianfreeman8290]

I remember Sputnik. I've been with you every step of the way, and shed tears of joy at every stage.

[@SgtWayneNilesLSA]

I'm very much looking forward to the next episode.

[@fjames208]

Me too

[@millbill8515]

I can't imagine that kind of hard work and nerves they have been trough. OMG what a amazing work 👏👍

[@polbrett]

I am just amazed by what Human Being can Created for The real Thing Congrats for all who participed in this Marvelous Mission

[@plexoduss]

That woman at 01:49 comes straight from an 80's sci-fi tv-movie.

[@Nobilangelo]

That's so good you can put rings around it.

[@talarid]

Is that a voice actor from mass effect? Amazing

[@nakfan]

Wow - watch this glued to the screen... Thank you so much for making and sharing these videos...

[@Bultish]

47:01 I got Tears, tears of joy when "re-living" this moment, beautiful 💓

[@mungbean60]

That was great, look forward to part 2.

[@abracadabraization]

What an incredible achievement of like-minded genius scientists, engineers and most importantly dreamers! What a great documentary. I was glued to the screen every second and it was breathtaking! Congratulations to all involved in this unique project. As a professional musician I felt so sorry I am not a scientist being part of life changing discoveries! Looking forward to part 2!

[@bigpike777]

How can u believe this BS whahahahahhahah

[@bigpike777]

@Mars u believe we have sent something to mars im sure ….. Whhahahahhahahhahahahhahahahahhshhahaha

[@henrikmartikainen8472]

Tämä dokumentti on todella arvokas ja esimerkillinen vastuullisesta toiminnasta tutkimuksessa avaruuden olosuhteiden selvittämisessä. Molemmat jaksot katsottuani olen vakuuttunut siitä että myöhemminkin vastuullinen toiminta tutkimuksessa jatkuu. Kyllä dokumentti meni syvälle tunteisiini ja jätti lähtemättömän jäljen ja asennoitumiseni avaruuden tutkimukseen muuttui peruuttamattomasti❤

[@NesconProductions]

The ringing endorsements at the end of this segment by Neil Armstrong & Arthur C. Clark (both RIP) of the Cassini probe said a lot. A fantastic story & best wishes all..

[@mikew735]

I started panicking when I couldn't find part two and then read the description, this was so good, I cant wait for more.

[@lerkzor]

A most excellent documentary. Thank you so much for compiling and presenting all this great content; I eagerly anticipate Part II. I would also be highly interested in a similar presentation outlining the New Horizons mission, and hopefully disseminating some of the new information we have learned from it. Again, thank you for this!

[@stevej-lakecountyspaceport7478]

In 2018, I finally had the privilege to walk the campus of JPL and see so many of the buildings, labs and auditoriums that I had only known by television previously. Our wonderful tour guide, then a JPL employee, even got us into the viewing gallery of the Spacecraft Integration Lab, where the second Mars Science Laboratory, aka "Perseverance" was being prepared for launch to Mars. The people and history of the place is truly humbling.

[@thecma3]

This is absolutely magnificent. A film of this quality belongs in theaters -- I've left box office premiers with a fraction of the excitement that this documentary instills.

[@liudmilah4296]

So amazing and beautiful! Thank you’

[@kilimanjarocruz660]

Wonderful documentary about a great mission. Brings tears to my eyes. This shows what we can do as humanity when we properly collaborate. To everyone who worked in anyway with Cassini-Huygens, my most sincere thank you.

[@misty28882]

Just amazes me how NASA use gravity assist..... awesome on every level!!!

[@hansliebe]

Cannot wait for part 2 to come out! Amazing video and insight on the process behind Cassini's mission.

[@Stephen-wb3wf]

This is great more like this please. Lets hope for documentary worthy events in modern times as well.

[@fjames208]

Agree...good

[@hunternewton3870]

This was a great documentary. Well done on the cinematography. The story flows well. Can't wait for the next part!

[@chrisholmquist7725]

Fantastic documentary! Thank you to everyone involved in getting this footage on youtube.

[@ariahaneul]

Such a high quality documentary, and I especially loved the commentary from the persons who worked on the project. I didn't realise your channel had such amazing content, I've already saved a bunch of your documentaries to my watch later playlist. Thank you to the team that worked on this video!

[@lvbandmore]

Very inspiring. I'm going to watch part 2 and then all the previous docs next! I just discovered this channel!

[@CraigPMiller]

❤ Fantastic! ❤ I remember being overjoyed at the access available over the new-fangled internet. A fabulous mix in the JPL team. ❤ Can't wait for part two. Cassini - Huygens deserves a follow up! 😁🙃😎👍

[@fjames208]

Me too part 2

[@Aerose923]

I just love these JPL documentaries...I feel JPL does some of the best work for our species. Thank you JPL for leading innovation and bringing us along!

[@Nobilangelo]

Thumbs-up with multiple rings on.

[@Arkanic]

What an amazing documentary, I can only hope we get more of the like for other landmark NASA missions. Thank you for sharing this.

[@SynthgodXXX]

Excellent video! I can't wait for part 2!

[@WimukthiBandara]

I followed the Cassini mission almost from its beginning. I was probably 11 years old when I first heard about it in 1995. And since then I grew up following what Cassini might be up to. I rejoiced at the amazing discoveries it made and at the gorgeous photos of the Saturn system. When the mission finally came to an end in 2017, it almost felt like a part of me just ceased to exist. What a machine and what a brilliant team of people that developed it.

[@williamcrislerjr9699]

Obviously the best video on space exploration I’ve ever seen; “great job people “ the mathematical design and performance was outstanding

[@tullyfisher]

Amazing documentary. Thank you. - What a great piece of engineering.

[@MrGrace]

This was a great doc 👌I'll be back for part 2!

[@dmanc85]

I was 10 when this launched and 30 when it ended. I cried.

[@kostasastro]

Can we all just sit and appreciate the amazing job of the cameraman's shots of the spacecraft?

[@motohddk]

This was really good! Can't wait for part 2!!!

[@frantisekva9528]

Fascinating... Big Thanks to all who had worked on it.

[@VishalSinha91]

Amazing! Eagerly waiting for Part 2!

[@MichaelMiller-op8fe]

JPL always has the best space cameraman. I bet he gets paid very well.

[@krazybubbler]

Fantastic documentary! This is what expect from NASA! Thanks and kudos to everyone involved!

[@qkitselectronics5415]

One of mankind's greatest endeavors. Such incredible images. Great work Cassini team!

[@jonathanbyrdmusic]

This is excellent. Whoever archived and maintained over 30 years of project-specific footage, job well done.

[@buliameenoladayo3074]

Super epic documentary. Hats off to the person who kept the years long records bit by bit

[@ivanscissorhands2008]

Excellent! 👏🏽💯

[@robertruark8797]

I have seen most of this and bits and pieces over the years. Seeing it put together like this is absolutely riveting.

[@simonysinclair7163]

Huge admiration for these engineers and scientists. Thank you! Love space, and all the new discoveries with new spacecraft heading out.

[@OverNine9ousend]

What a good documentary. Please feel free to do more of these :)

[@twstf8905]

Awesome. 👍 Hopefully the next chapter is a little more about the Planet itself, with an emphasis on the science learned by the mission, now that this chapter has focused so much on the creation and development of the Cassini spacecraft. Know what I mean?!

[@brianbarrett2487]

Scientists: 'We might have a catastrophic breakup incident crossing between the ring planes of F and G' Also Scientists: 'Bet I can zip that sucker through there'

[@Ouchie]

I love that everything was recorded and archived for us to see

[@mcpraveen]

Thanks JPL for the outstanding documentary videos, I just love them. Thanks again and again for infinity for bringing such fantastic documenaries

[@A_Different_ViewPoint.]

Amazing 👍😍🤩