During a pivotal mission in the exploration of Saturn and its many moons, the Cassini–Huygens spacecraft conducted a close flyby of Phoebe, a large, irregularly shaped moon that orbits Saturn. This encounter, which took place at a distance of approximately 2,200 kilometers from Phoebe's surface, provided an unprecedented opportunity to study this intriguing celestial body. The images and data collected revealed Phoebe's dark surface, which is likely composed of a mix of ice, rock, and organic materials. Scientists were particularly interested in Phoebe due to its retrograde orbit and its unusual characteristics compared to other moons in the Saturn system.

Phoebe's irregular shape and varied surface features suggest it may have originated from the Kuiper Belt, further from Saturn, and later captured by the planet's gravity. The close flyby allowed Cassini to gather high-resolution images, spectrometer readings, and temperature measurements, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the moon's geology and composition. This mission was essential for piecing together the history of the Saturnian system and the formation of its moons.

Additionally, the data collected during this encounter have ongoing implications for our understanding of planetary formation and the evolution of celestial bodies within our solar system. Phoebe's environment, special characteristics, and potential for harboring prebiotic materials brought significant interest to future exploration and study of similar bodies in the outer solar system.