Cassini approaches end of mission

One of the greatest missions in the history of space exploration will come to an end in 2017.

The Cassini satellite, which has been studying Saturn these past 12 years, will destroy itself on 15 September by taking a plunge into the ringed planet's atmosphere.

Cassini is running low on fuel and controllers need to dispose of the spacecraft safely before it becomes inoperable. The spacecraft will burn up as it enters Saturn's gases at 120,000km/h. The joint American and European mission has totally transformed our understanding of the giant world.

Nasa project scientist Dr Linda Spilker discussed the probe's achievements with our correspondent Jonathan Amos.