Post-Cassini exploration of Titan: Science goals, instrumentation and mission concepts Original Research Article

Titan promises to be a priority target for planetary and astrobiological exploration in the next decades. We survey the likely scientific objectives, instrumentation and mission architectures that may characterize the next visit to Titan. A near-surface airborne platform, perhaps an airship with some kind of surface sampling capability, appears most promising. We review recent work in the understanding of impact melt sheets and cryovolcanic flows as astrobiological ‘incubators’ wherein tholins produced in the atmosphere may interact with liquid water for prolonged periods, and survey technological developments that support a near-term return to Titan.