Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system and has developed quite a reputation because of its impressive ring system, but it also has 62 moons. The largest moon, Titan, is the only one that actually has its very own atmosphere. NASA now has plans to take a closer look at what is going on down on Titan, but not by using a spacecraft. Instead it will use a submarine.
Since 2004 the spacecraft Cassini has been studying the surface of the moon. Of particular interest are the large bodies of liquid methane and ethane, which compose a significant part of the moon's surface. The following year, the Huygens space probe landed on the surface beaming the first pictures of Titan back to Earth.
In a dramatic 3D animated video released by NASA, the space agency shows how it plans to explore the depths of Kraken Mare, the largest sea on Titan. A submarine has been proposed as the best way to explore beneath the surface, since it would be difficult for a probe to cope with the unpredictable waters of Titan and using a submarine would mean not having to deal with the problems of lowering instrumentation from a surface vessel.
A submarine could much more easily map out the various currents and shorelines of sea and it would also be much more adept at studying the seabed. Scientists believe that high resolution images and analysis of the sediment in the seabed could provide clues about Titan's climate history.
Saturn's largest moon is the only significant body in the solar system that could harbor a submersible research craft. The submarine would be powered by powerful radioscope generators and renewable waste heat fluid. It would come equipped with high resolution camera, sonar, sample acquisition equipment and much more.
The submarine mission to Titan is just one of more than 50 different concepts NASA has on the drawing board that is considering to pursue by 2040. If successful, the project would require significant funding and time to develop the proper equipment that would survive in Titan's waters. But researchers hope that this mission will serve as the pathfinder for other similar terrestrial body exploration, such as Jupiter's moon, Europa.
Outside of NASA, one of the most interesting projects is the Mars One mission. The mission hopes to become the first ever to attempt a mission to Mars and plans to send 4 crew members on a one way trip to the Red Planet.
