Statistics – Applications
Scientific paper
Jan 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007aipc..880..372e&link_type=abstract
SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL FORUM-STAIF 2007: 11th Conf Thermophys.Applic.in Micrograv.; 24th Symp Space Nuc
Statistics
Applications
Spaceborne And Space Research Instruments, Apparatus, And Components, Titan
Scientific paper
This paper describes results of a recent Titan exploration mission study; one which includes an aerial vehicle in the form of a hot air balloon, or montgolfiere. Unlike terrestrial montgolfieres which require burning fuel, the dual use of MMRTGs to provide a continuous source of heat as well as electrical power would give the balloon an inherent ability to float for a very long time in the atmosphere of Titan. It would ride with the easterly winds at a cruising altitude of about 10,000 km, occasionally changing altitude to take advantage of possible reverse wind directions and even descending to the surface to physically sample sites of interest. Seasonal and tidal north-south winds would allow the mission to explore different latitudes, which Cassini data have shown to be amazingly diverse in geologic nature. Communication from the aerial vehicle would be relayed through an accompanying orbiter spacecraft, as well as transmitted directly to Earth, providing the potential for data return from Titan's surface equivalent to that provided by many comparable orbiter missions at much closer destinations.
Elliott John O.
Reh Kim
Spilker Tom
No associations
LandOfFree
Titan Exploration Using a Radioisotopically-Heated Montgolfiere Balloon 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 Titan Exploration Using a Radioisotopically-Heated Montgolfiere Balloon, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Titan Exploration Using a Radioisotopically-Heated Montgolfiere Balloon will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1363580