NASA's Cassini spacecraft made its final approach to Saturn and dove into the planet’s atmosphere on Friday, Sept. 15. Loss of contact with the Cassini spacecraft took place on Sept. 15 at 7:55:46 a.m. EDT (4:55:46 a.m. PDT).

Cassini is ending its 13-year tour of the Saturn system with an intentional plunge into the planet to ensure Saturn's moons – in particular Enceladus, with its subsurface ocean and signs of hydrothermal activity – remain pristine for future exploration.

Video: Goodbye, Cassini
Release: Cassini Spacecraft Ends Its Historic Exploration of Saturn
Cassini's Final Images
Image Gallery: Cassini Highlights
What's Next?
NASA HQ Photo: Cassini's End of Mission
Cassini's Top Discoveries
Download: The Saturn System Through the Eyes of Cassini
Video: Cassini's Last Looks at Saturn