A post-Huygens Titan surface science mission design

Abstract

With the Cassini-Huygens atmospheric probe drop-off mission fast approaching, it is essential that scientists and engineers start scoping potential follow-on surface science missions. This paper provides a summary of the first year of a two year design study (Chau et al., 2003) which examines in detail the desired surface science measurements and resolution, potential instrument suite, and complete payload delivery system. Also provided are design concepts for both an aerial inflatable mobility platform and deployable instrument sonde. The tethered deployable sonde provides the capability to sample near-surface atmosphere, sub-surface liquid (if it exists), and surface solid material. Actual laboratory tests of the amphibious sonde prototype are also presented