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NASA extends Saturn mission

Story Highlights
Cassini mission, touring Saturn and its moons, extended for two years
Unmanned probe beamed back 140,000 images since 2004
Cassini to circle Saturn 60 more times and fly by its largest moon, Titan
Extension costs $160 million; U.S. has invested $2.6 billion in mission
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PASADENA, California (AP) -- NASA says it is extending the international Cassini mission that is touring Saturn and its moons for another two years.

This undated photo taken by Cassini shows Saturn's moon, Titan, in ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths.

The space agency announced the extension Tuesday. Since 2004, the unmanned probe has beamed back about 140,000 images. Its prime mission is slated to end in July.

The agency says the $160 million extension will allow Cassini to make 60 more revolutions around the ringed planet and fly by its largest moon, Titan, and four other satellites.

The Cassini-Huygens mission is funded by NASA and the European and Italian space agencies. Its original cost was $3.3 billion including $2.6 billion from the United States.

The mission is studying Saturn's rings, atmosphere, storms and moons. E-mail to a friend