In a sneak peek of a possible future mission to Saturns moon Titan, NASA has showcased their vision of a robotic submersible that could explore the moons vast lakes of liquid methane and ethane. <\/p>\n
VIDEO: Can a Moon be Older Than its Planet? <\/p>\n
Studying Titan is thought to be looking back in time at an embryonic Earth, only a lot colder. Titan is the only moon in the solar system to have a significant atmosphere and this atmosphere is known to possess its own methane cycle, like Earths water cycle. Methane exists in a liquid state, raining down on a landscape laced with hydrocarbons, forming rivers, valleys and seas. <\/p>\n
Several seas have been extensively studied by NASAs Cassini spacecraft during multiple flybys, some of which average a few meters deep, whereas others have depths of over 200 meters (660 feet) the maximum depth at which Cassinis radar instrument can penetrate. <\/p>\n
So, if scientists are to properly explore Titan, they must find a way to dive into these seas to reveal their secrets. <\/p>\n
ANALYSIS: Cassini Watches Clouds Blow Over Titans Sea <\/p>\n
At this years Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Symposium, a Titan submarine concept was showcased by NASA Glenns COMPASS Team and researchers from Applied Research Lab. <\/p>\n
Envisaged as a possible mission to Titans largest sea, Kracken Mare, the autonomous submersible would be designed to make a 90 day, 2,000 kilometer (1,250 mile) voyage exploring the depths of this vast and very alien marine environment. As it would spend long periods under the methane seas surface, it would have to be powered by a radioisotope generator; a source that converts the heat produced by radioactive pellets into electricity, much like missions that are currently exploring space, like Cassini and Mars rover Curiosity. <\/p>\n
Communicating with Earth would not be possible when the vehicle is submerged, so it would need to make regular ascents to the surface to transmit science data. <\/p>\n
ANALYSIS: Cassini Spies Wind-Rippled Sea on Titan <\/p>\n
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NASA Wants to Send a Submarine to Titan's Seas<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In a sneak peek of a possible future mission to Saturns moon Titan, NASA has showcased their vision of a robotic submersible that could explore the moons vast lakes of liquid methane and ethane. VIDEO: Can a Moon be Older Than its Planet? Studying Titan is thought to be looking back in time at an embryonic Earth, only a lot colder Continue reading