On July 22, 2006, the Cassini-Huygens probe conducted a flyby of Titan, passing at a distance of 148,000 km.[5] The 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.[6]
As a result of these discoveries, NASA’s Institute for Advanced Concepts proposed the Titan Mare Explorer. However, the proposal was superseded in a 2012 vote by the InSightlander, which was tasked with studying Mars' core.[7] However, both the Titan Mare Explorer and the Titan Submarine projects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 under development by NASA's Institute for Advanced Concepts.[8]
The Titan Submarine will be equipped with radioisotope rockets, a type of thermal rocket that uses decaying radioactive elements, to propel the submarine for longer durations on Titan while 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 years.[1][10] It will also be equipped with a sampler to collect samples of lakebed minerals and liquid methane and ethane hydrocarbons from Titan's water. Additionally, a camera will be attached to the front of the vessel.[1]
Scientific goals
Model of the Titan Submarine
The submarine is will aid scientists in refining models and simulations of undersea activity on Titan. It will contribute to the detection of elemental and chemical properties of the water, as well as undersea rocks and minerals. Additionally, it may help identify undersea seismic activity on Titan. The submarine will also collect data on the depth and temperature of specific locations within Titan’s lakes.[8]
Additionally, theories propose the existence of a global subsurface ocean beneath Titan's surface. The mission aims to enhance understanding of subsurface oceans and explain the dramatic shifts in Titan's surface features. It may also provide insights into the impact of subsurface oceans on the geology beneath and above Titan's seas.[11]
During certain parts of the mission, the submarine will partially emerge from the water to study Titanian weather, tides, coastlines, and the unsolved observation surrounding disappearing islands or icebergs on Titan.[12]
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