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AsteriaStar
Instrument class · Gravity fields, atmospheres (radio signal)

Radio Science

A technique that uses the spacecraft's own radio signal as an instrument — tracking tiny frequency shifts to weigh a planet, map its gravity field, and probe its atmosphere and rings by how they bend the signal.

Instruments of this class

  • Cassini's radio-science experiment, which used the spacecraft's radio link — tracking tiny frequency shifts and radio occultations — to weigh Saturn, map its gravity field, and probe the structure of its rings and atmosphere.

Knowledge connections

Sources

The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.

  • NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration

    Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.

    Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.

  • NASA JPLJet Propulsion Laboratory / Solar System Dynamics

    Orbital data, ephemerides, and small-body parameters for planets, asteroids, and comets.