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Parker Solar Probe 3D Explorer vs Cassini Grand Finale 3D Explorer


Both pages scrub a real spacecraft's mission timeline in one page load - 0 MB installed, USD 0, no account. The Parker Solar Probe 3D Explorer covers a spacecraft's repeated gravity-assist approach to the Sun itself; the Cassini Grand Finale 3D Explorer covers a different spacecraft's final dive into a planet, Saturn.


The numbers side by side

AspectCassini Grand Finale ExplorerParker Solar Probe Explorer
Install size0 MB - runs in the browser0 MB - runs in the browser
PriceUSD 0USD 0
Body approachedSaturn (a planet)the Sun (a star)
Real mission span shown2016-2017 endgame (about 1 year)2018-2024 full mission arc (about 6 years)
Key survival mechanisma controlled, deliberate atmospheric entry - the spacecraft is not designed to survive ita carbon-composite heat shield rated to about 2,500 F (1,377 C) - the spacecraft is designed to survive repeatedly
Gravity assists shown1 Titan flyby7 Venus flybys

Where the Cassini Grand Finale Explorer wins

The Cassini Grand Finale Explorer wins when the question is why a mission ends in a deliberate destruction rather than being left adrift - it is the only page on the site with a planetary-protection ending and a stylized one-way-light-time countdown.


Where the Parker Solar Probe Explorer wins

The Parker Solar Probe Explorer wins when the question is how a spacecraft is built to survive repeated close approaches rather than end with one - it is the only page on the site where the approached body is the Sun itself, and the only one with a heat-shield survival story.


A reasonable rule

As a reasonable rule, use the Parker Solar Probe Explorer to see a spacecraft designed to survive extreme heat and speed near a star, then use the Cassini Grand Finale Explorer to see a different, deliberately final ending at a planet.

See how to use the Parker Solar Probe 3D Explorer for a step-by-step walkthrough.

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