In addition to exploring the intricate ring system, the probe will study the numerous icy moons including the huge mysterious moon Titan. The Cassini Spacecraft. The Cassini space probe is scheduled to be launched toward the middle of October and embark on its seven year journey to Saturn. It's more than just a coincidence that the launch is scheduled at a time when Saturn is at its brightest in our sky and up all night. On October 9th, Saturn reaches a position which we call opposition.
Opposition is when a planet is opposite the sun in our sky.
When this occurs, the Earth is at its closest approach to Saturn for the year. That's why it seems bright in our sky. It also means that when the sun sets, Saturn rises, so it's up all night. Launching a probe to Saturn is much more complicated than just launching it when we are closest. In fact, Cassini will be launched in the other direction.