NASA releases stunning new images of Saturn's rings

Just months away from its imminent suicide, NASA's Cassini spacecraft has sent back more remarkable photos of the planet it orbits.

The images were taken during Cassini's second dive through Saturn's rings as part of the craft's Grand Finale mission.

The mission culminates on September 15, when engineers will fly the craft into Saturn's atmosphere to destroy it.

See the gorgeous photos:

Since navigating Saturn's rings is no easy task, the dive is being considered a huge success.

"No spacecraft has ever been this close to Saturn before," said Cassini Project Manager Earl Maize of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "I am delighted to report that Cassini shot through the gap just as we planned and has come out the other side in excellent shape."