5 papers
The Case for Non-Cryogenic Comet Nucleus Sample Return
Keiko Nakamura-Messenger, Alexander G. Hayes, Scott Sandford +22
Comets hold answers to mysteries of the Solar System by recording presolar history, the initial states of planet formation and prebiotic organics and volatiles to the early Earth.…
The Science Case for a Titan Flagship-class Orbiter with Probes
Conor A. Nixon, James Abshire, Andrew Ashton +36
We outline a flagship-class mission concept focused on studying Titan as a global system, with particular emphasis on the polar regions. Investigating Titan from the unique standpo…
Tidal Currents Detected in Kraken Mare Straits from Cassini VIMS Sun Glitter Observations
Michael F. Heslar, Jason W. Barnes, Jason M. Soderblom +3
We present Cassini VIMS observations of sun glitter -- wave-induced reflections from a liquid surface offset from a specular point -- on Kraken Mare. Sun glitter reveals rough sea…
Stratification Dynamics of Titan's Lakes via Methane Evaporation
Jordan K. Steckloff, Jason M. Soderblom, Kendra K. Farnsworth +8
Saturn's moon Titan is the only extraterrestrial body known to host stable lakes and a hydrological cycle. Titan's lakes predominantly contain liquid methane, ethane, and nitrogen,…
Science goals and mission concepts for a future orbital and in situ exploration of Titan
Sébastien Rodriguez, Sandrine Vinatier, Daniel Cordier +27
In this white paper, we present a cross-section of important scientific questions that remain partially or completely unanswered, ranging from Titan exosphere to the deep interior,…