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Space probe
Pioneer 11
Pioneer 11 was the first space probe to reach Saturn. It has since fallen silent and keeps flying further and further away.
Fact file
- Type
- Space probe
- Launch
- 6 April 1973
Interesting facts about Pioneer 11
- In 1979 Pioneer 11 was the first probe to reach Saturn – flying right through the plane of the rings as it did so.
- It used Jupiter's gravity as a “slingshot” to get to Saturn.
- It has been silent since 1995 and is heading towards the constellation Aquila.
Frequently asked questions about Pioneer 11
When was Pioneer 11 launched?
The mission began on 6 April 1973.
Which celestial bodies has Pioneer 11 visited?
Pioneer 11 visited Jupiter and Saturn. All milestones with their dates are listed further down this page.
The mission
The twin of Pioneer 10, launched a year later.
Technology and flight
At Jupiter it flew much closer than Pioneer 10 – only 43,000 km above the clouds.
Discoveries
At Saturn it discovered a new ring (the F ring) and a small moon, and proved that the way was safe for the Voyager probes.
For comparison
Radio contact was lost in 1995, when its power supply became too weak.
Mission milestones
- Launch at Earth
Launch on an Atlas-Centaur rocket.
- Jupiter at Jupiter
Close flyby of Jupiter, gaining speed towards Saturn.
- Saturn at Saturn
First flyby of Saturn by a probe.
- Last contact
The power supply is no longer enough – the probe falls silent.
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