• DocumentCode
    2567737
  • Title

    Optimizing science return from Titan aerial explorers

  • Author

    Lorenz, Ralph D.

  • Author_Institution
    Lunar & Planetary Lab., Arizona Univ., Tucson, AZ, USA
  • Volume
    7
  • fYear
    2000
  • fDate
    2000
  • Firstpage
    493
  • Abstract
    This paper explores the scientific challenges of post-Cassini exploration of Titan, Saturn´s giant, hazy moon. In particular, the scientific objectives are addressed, and the vehicle types that might be most appropriate are considered, paying particular attention to the energy required for mobility, for acquiring data, and downlinking it to Earth, and to the rate at which science data can be acquired. While many mission types are possible, a helicopter mission, flying only 10% of the time, may offer the best overall scientific return
  • Keywords
    Saturn; planetary satellites; space vehicles; Saturn satellite; Titan aerial explorer; helicopter mission; vehicle; Atmosphere; Ice; Moon; Nitrogen; Ocean temperature; Optical surface waves; Photochemistry; Satellites; Sea surface; Solar system;
  • fLanguage
    English
  • Publisher
    ieee
  • Conference_Titel
    Aerospace Conference Proceedings, 2000 IEEE
  • Conference_Location
    Big Sky, MT
  • ISSN
    1095-323X
  • Print_ISBN
    0-7803-5846-5
  • Type

    conf

  • DOI
    10.1109/AERO.2000.879317
  • Filename
    879317