Why did NASA crash its $3.9-billion spacecraft into Saturn?
NASA on Friday crashed its $3.9-billion Cassini spacecraft into Saturn's atmosphere as it was running low on fuel after a 20-year mission. The spacecraft was destroyed to avoid a collision with Saturn's moons, to protect them from Earth-based contamination, thus preserving them for future missions. Cassini had discovered oceans and organic elements suitable for life on moons, Titan and Enceladus. 