AbstractTitan 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.


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    Title :

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


    Contributors:
    Lorenz, R.D. (author) / Lunine, J.I. (author) / Zimmerman, W. (author)

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 36 , 2 ; 281-285


    Publication date :

    2005-03-22


    Size :

    5 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





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