Physics – Optics
Scientific paper
Oct 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010dps....42.3628c&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #42, #36.28
Physics
Optics
Scientific paper
Titan is a key target for exploration as it is the only place in the Solar System other than Earth with standing bodies of liquid on its surface. These liquid ethane and methane lakes are highly complex mixtures due to deposition of organics from reactions in the upper atmosphere. Analysis of the composition and stratification of these lakes is key to understanding the planetary chemistry of Titan. However, current sampling strategies have yet to be tested in a relevant environment (i.e., a methane/ethane lake in simulated Titan conditions). We propose the development of a Titan environmental chamber capable of simulating a hydrocarbon lake in a nitrogen/ methane atmosphere at a temperature of 90 K and a pressure of 1.5 bar. This chamber would be flight-robust and mission-enabling for any spacecraft planned for the in situ exploration of Titan and its lakes. Potential instruments to test inside the chamber include optics for turbidity measurements of particles suspended in the lake, transducers and receivers for sonic and topographical measurements, and various electronics that must be robust at low temperature. A better understanding of how instruments operate in a simulated Titan environment will facilitate the development of more capable technologies for future New Frontiers and Discovery missions to this enigmatic moon.
Barmatz M. B.
Beauchamp Patricia M.
Cable Morgan
Hodyss R. P.
Willis Ashley P.
No associations
LandOfFree
A Titan Environmental Chamber for In Situ Instrument Validation does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A Titan Environmental Chamber for In Situ Instrument Validation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Titan Environmental Chamber for In Situ Instrument Validation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1228499