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==History==
==History==
In early 2005, studies by the Cassini-Huygens probe revealed an abundance of [[organic compound]]s in Titan’s atmosphere, suggesting the possibility of [[extraterrestrial life]]. Albeit not being within the [[habitable zone]], methane in cold environments must meet its [[critical temperature]] to form methane [[Ion|ions]] together.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/fuel_properties.php|title = Alternative Fuels Data Center: Fuel Properties Comparison}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vandel |first1=Omri |title=All the answers to the question is there life in space? |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3465434,00.html |website=ynet.co.il |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=29 November 2007}}</ref> [[Huygens (spacecraft)|Huygens]] landing on Titan in 2005 provided significant data about Titans atmosphere. During its 2 hour decent, Huygens provided scientists with data suggesting a functioning [[climate system]], [[water cycle]], and the presence [[organic matter]] and molecules.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moskowitz |first1=Clara |title=Exotic Life Could Sprout From Titan Chemistry |url=https://www.space.com/6886-exotic-life-sprout-titan-chemistry.html |website=[[Space.com]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=25 June 2009}}</ref> Because of these organic molecules, scientists propose thermal heating from these compounds could create plausible scenarios for life to start producing.
In early 2005, studies by the Cassini-Huygens probe revealed an abundance of [[organic compound]]s in Titan’s atmosphere, suggesting the possibility of [[extraterrestrial life]]. Although not situated within the [[habitable zone]], methane in cold environments must reach its [[critical temperature]] to coalesce into methane [[Ion|ions]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/fuel_properties.php|title = Alternative Fuels Data Center: Fuel Properties Comparison}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vandel |first1=Omri |title=All the answers to the question is there life in space? |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3465434,00.html |website=ynet.co.il |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=29 November 2007}}</ref> [[Huygens (spacecraft)|Huygens]] landing on Titan in 2005 provided significant data about Titan’s atmosphere. During its 2-hour descent, Huygens provided scientists with data suggesting a functioning [[climate system]], [[water cycle]], and the presence of [[organic matter]] and molecules.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moskowitz |first1=Clara |title=Exotic Life Could Sprout From Titan Chemistry |url=https://www.space.com/6886-exotic-life-sprout-titan-chemistry.html |website=[[Space.com]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=25 June 2009}}</ref> Due to these organic molecules, scientists propose that [[Geothermal heating|thermal heating]] from these compounds could create conditions conducive to the [[Life on Titan|emergence of life]].


Other theories state that a global subsurface ocean could lie underneath Titans surface. If so, the Titan Submarine mission could give scientists firsthand views of similar moons with an icy shell covering them: [[Europa (moon)|Europa]] and [[Enceladus]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Kraken Mare |url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/14399;jsessionid=8F63E261BD018A82FF38FA8F9A5062DD |website=planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=11 April 2008}}</ref>
Alternate theories suggest the presence of a [[subsurface ocean|global subsurface ocean]] beneath Titan’s surface. If confirmed, the Titan Submarine mission could provide scientists with valuable insights, analogous to those gained from studying moons like [[Europa (moon)|Europa]] and [[Enceladus]], which also possess [[Ice planet|icy shells]] covering potential subsurface oceans.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kraken Mare |url=https://planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov/Feature/14399;jsessionid=8F63E261BD018A82FF38FA8F9A5062DD |website=planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=11 April 2008}}</ref>


On July 22, 2006, the [[Cassini–Huygens|Cassini-Huygens]] probe would flyby Titan at a distance of 148,000 km<ref>{{cite web |title=Outbound View |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia08246-outbound-view |website=[[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=18 August 2006}}</ref> and discover dark lakes on Titans surface. This remarkable flyby proved the liquid water existed on Titan, a proposal that was first thought of in 1995 after a [[Hubble Space Telescope]] observation of Titan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hubble Observes Surface of Titan |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia01465-hubble-observes-surface-of-titan |website=[[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=26 September 1998}}</ref>
On July 22, 2006, the Cassini-Huygens probe conducted a flyby of Titan, passing at a distance of 148,000 km<ref>{{cite web |title=Outbound View |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia08246-outbound-view |website=[[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=18 August 2006}}</ref> This remarkable flyby revealed methane lakes on Titan’s surface, providing evidence of the existence of liquid water, a hypothesis first suggested in 1995 following a [[Hubble Space Telescope]] observation of Titan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hubble Observes Surface of Titan |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia01465-hubble-observes-surface-of-titan |website=[[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=26 September 1998}}</ref>


Due to these studies and discoveries, [[NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts|NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts]] proposed the [[Titan Mare Explorer]]. However, the proposal was overtaken in a vote from 2012 by the [[InSight]] [[mars rover|rover]], which would study [[Planetary core#Inner rocky planets|Mars’ core]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/nasa-will-send-robot-drill-to-mars-in-2016/2012/08/20/43bf1980-eaef-11e1-9ddc-340d5efb1e9c_story.html |title=NASA will send robot drill to Mars in 2016 |newspaper=Washington Post |first=Brian |last=Vastag |date=August 20, 2012 }}</ref> However, the Titan Mare Explorer and the Titan Submarine are still being actively worked on by NIAC. As of 2014, the Titan Submarine started its development.
As a result of these studies and discoveries, [[NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts|NASA’s Institute for Advanced Concepts]] proposed the [[Titan Mare Explorer]]. However, the proposal was superseded in a 2012 vote by the [[InSight]] [[mars rover|rover]], which was tasked with studying [[Planetary core#Inner rocky planets|Mars’ core]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/nasa-will-send-robot-drill-to-mars-in-2016/2012/08/20/43bf1980-eaef-11e1-9ddc-340d5efb1e9c_story.html |title=NASA will send robot drill to Mars in 2016 |newspaper=Washington Post |first=Brian |last=Vastag |date=August 20, 2012 }}</ref> However, both the Titan Mare Explorer and the Titan Submarine projects remain active under the auspices of NIAC.


The Titan Submarine started Phase I in 2014, and transitioned in November 2020 to Phase II, named ''Titan Turtle'', where new technologies are being developed and refined by NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts.<ref name="LouraHall2014">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Loura |title=Titan Submarine: Exploring the Depths of Kraken |url=https://www.nasa.gov/general/titan-submarine-exploring-the-depths-of-kraken/ |website=[[Nasa.gov]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=14 June 2014}}</ref>
The Titan Submarine initiated Phase I in 2014 and transitioned to Phase II, dubbed ''Titan Turtle'', in November 2020. The Titan submarine is still being developed and refined of new technologies by NASA’s Institute for Advanced Concepts. <ref name="LouraHall2014">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Loura |title=Titan Submarine: Exploring the Depths of Kraken |url=https://www.nasa.gov/general/titan-submarine-exploring-the-depths-of-kraken/ |website=[[Nasa.gov]] |access-date=14 April 2024 |date=14 June 2014}}</ref>


==Overview==
==Overview==

Revision as of 19:27, 15 April 2024

Titan Submarine
An artists illustration of the submarine on a lake of Titan
Mission typeReconnaissance and submarine
Operator
Spacecraft properties
Dry mass500 kg[1]
Dimensions20 by 6.5 ft[1]
Start of mission
Launch date2030s-2040s
End of mission
Landing date2040-2045 (hypothetical)
Landing siteKraken Mare or Ligeia Mare
 
Synthetic aperture radar mosaic of Titan's north polar region showing Titans largest lakes Kraken Mare, Ligeia Mare, and Punga Mare

Titan Submarine is a proposed NASA submarine probe that will visit Saturn’s largest moon Titan, and will plausibly explore either Kraken Mare or Ligeia Mare, two of Titan’s largest lakes. The concept was proposed by Steven Oleson, Ralph Lorenz, and Micheal Paul, technical experts at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Ohio.[1]

History

In early 2005, studies by the Cassini-Huygens probe revealed an abundance of organic compounds in Titan’s atmosphere, suggesting the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Although not situated within the habitable zone, methane in cold environments must reach its critical temperature to coalesce into methane ions.[2][3] Huygens landing on Titan in 2005 provided significant data about Titan’s atmosphere. During its 2-hour descent, Huygens provided scientists with data suggesting a functioning climate system, water cycle, and the presence of organic matter and molecules.[4] Due to these organic molecules, scientists propose that thermal heating from these compounds could create conditions conducive to the emergence of life.

Alternate theories suggest the presence of a global subsurface ocean beneath Titan’s surface. If confirmed, the Titan Submarine mission could provide scientists with valuable insights, analogous to those gained from studying moons like Europa and Enceladus, which also possess icy shells covering potential subsurface oceans.[5]

On July 22, 2006, the Cassini-Huygens probe conducted a flyby of Titan, passing at a distance of 148,000 km[6] This remarkable flyby revealed methane lakes on Titan’s surface, providing evidence of the existence of liquid water, a hypothesis first suggested in 1995 following a Hubble Space Telescope observation of Titan.[7]

As a result of these studies and discoveries, NASA’s Institute for Advanced Concepts proposed the Titan Mare Explorer. However, the proposal was superseded in a 2012 vote by the InSight rover, which was tasked with studying Mars’ core.[8] However, both the Titan Mare Explorer and the Titan Submarine projects remain active under the auspices of NIAC.

The Titan Submarine initiated Phase I in 2014 and transitioned to Phase II, dubbed Titan Turtle, in November 2020. The Titan submarine is still being developed and refined of new technologies by NASA’s Institute for Advanced Concepts. [9]

Overview

The submarine will be carried into space aboard an Atlas V rocket, accompanying an unmanned Boeing X-37, which is designed to withstand the atmospheric conditions of Titan.

The Titan Submarine will be equipped with radioisotope rockets to propel the submarine for longer durations on Titan, while also conserving power on the probe. Radioisotope rockets utilize isotopes such as polonium-210 or plutonium-238, both of which have a half-life of approximately 80 or more years.[1][10] It will also be equipped with a sampler to collect samples of lakebed minerals and potentially liquid methane and ethane hydrocarbons from Titan's water.[1] Along with this, a camera will be attached to the front of the vessel. During certain parts of the mission, the submarine will partially emerge from the water to study Titanian weather, tides, coastlines, and the mystery surrounding disappearing islands or icebergs on Titan.[11]

Scientific goals

Model of the Titan Submarine

The submarine will aid scientists in refining models and simulations for undersea activity on Titan. Additionally, it will assist in detecting elemental properties within undersea rocks or minerals, as well as potentially identifying undersea earthquakes on Titan. Furthermore, it will provide data on the depth and temperature of specific spots within certain lakes on Titan.[9]

Instruments

The submarine will be equipped with scientific instruments to help understand Titan's lakes.

Instrument list

Interior instruments

  • Command and data handling
  • Communications
  • Altitude determination and control[9]

Proposed instruments

  • Seafloor sample analyzer
  • Ventral imager [1]

Energy

The submarine will be equipped with 840 W of:

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Wall, Mike (27 August 2020). "Submarine could explore seas of huge Saturn moon Titan". Space.com. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Alternative Fuels Data Center: Fuel Properties Comparison".
  3. ^ Vandel, Omri (29 November 2007). "All the answers to the question is there life in space?". ynet.co.il. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  4. ^ Moskowitz, Clara (25 June 2009). "Exotic Life Could Sprout From Titan Chemistry". Space.com. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Kraken Mare". planetarynames.wr.usgs.gov. 11 April 2008. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Outbound View". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 18 August 2006. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Hubble Observes Surface of Titan". Jet Propulsion Laboratory. 26 September 1998. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  8. ^ Vastag, Brian (August 20, 2012). "NASA will send robot drill to Mars in 2016". Washington Post.
  9. ^ a b c Hall, Loura (14 June 2014). "Titan Submarine: Exploring the Depths of Kraken". Nasa.gov. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  10. ^ AIAA meeting paper comparing fermium, polonium and plutonium as power sources[permanent dead link]
  11. ^ "ים של כוכבים: נאס"א שולחת צוללת לטיטאן". calcalist.co.il. Raphael Kahan, Harel Elam. 16 February 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Exploring the depths of Kraken Mare – Power, thermal analysis, and ballast control for the Saturn Titan submarine". ScienceDirect. J.W. Hartwig a, A. Colozza a, R.D. Lorenz b, S. Oleson a, G. Landis a, P. Schmitz a, M. Paul c, J. Walsh c. March 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  13. ^ David, Leonard (18 February 2015). "NASA Space Submarine Could Explore Titan's Methane Seas". Space.com. Retrieved 14 April 2024.

Further information

  • YouTube video gives an illustration on how the variety of instruments on board the submarine work.