Scientists are investigating the idea of sending a submarine to “explore the liquid methane seas of Saturn's Moon Titan.”
NASA is investigating the idea of sending a submarine to “explore the liquid methane seas of Saturn's Moon Titan.”
The vehicle, which is being developed under the agency’s Innovative Advanced Concepts Program, has been designed to “autonomously carry out detailed scientific investigations under the surface of Kraken Mare.”
This body of water is Titan’s largest sea to the north with a span of about 621 miles and a depth of about 984 feet.
In a diagram linked to Phase II of the project, the submarine includes features such as a hydrodynamic skin, meteorology sensor, and four thrusters.
Meanwhile, a NASA Glenn Research Center video shows a simulation where the vehicle would be able to quickly analyze objects on the seafloor.
According to Mental Floss, should the concept become real, the earliest launch would likely be in 2040.
