why Titan?
Titan is Saturn’s largest moon and one of the most promising objects to explore. Not only does Titan have liquid water inside, but it is the only satellite in the solar system with a thick atmosphere, so methane clouds, rain, and surface fluids similar to the Earth’s water cycle can occur in lakes and oceans. It is said that the cycle that forms the The complex organic matter abundantly present on Titan’s surface provides an ideal environment for studying the conditions necessary for the existence of extraterrestrial life and for clarifying chemical evolution on Earth before life began.
What is Dragonfly?
Dragonfly is a powered flight lander with rotary wings, and was adopted in 2019 as the fourth mission of NASA’s New Frontier Program (middle class in the NASA category). Taking advantage of Titan’s thick atmosphere, it will be possible to collect surface material and perform chemical analysis while traveling between geologically diverse sites. This innovative mission concept explores a variety of sites for the potential for life on Titan, revealing how life precursors evolved, not only aqueous but also hydrocarbon. We may also be able to look for chemical traces where sexual life exists (existed in the past).
[Outline and purpose of measures]
By conducting chemical analysis of atmospheric and surface substances, meteorological observation, and underground exploration at multiple locations using drone-type take-off and landing vehicles, we will be able to determine the existence of life precursors and the environment of Titan, which is said to resemble the ancient earth environment. Clarify the current environment and evolutionary process.
The probe system is in charge of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL).
ISAS/JAXA develops and provides seismometers for investigating the activity of underground earthquakes and the structure of the surface layer and ice crust.
CNES (France) and DLR (Germany) will participate in the development of onboard equipment in addition to universities and research institutes in the United States.
【Expected effect】
Outcomes and effects of the entire project
Dragonfly will be able to collect and analyze samples from geologically different areas by taking advantage of the spacecraft that can take off and land with flight performance and Titan’s unique environment with a thick atmosphere.
We will clarify whether there was an environment where life could live by moving to a wide variety of places, how the life precursors evolved, and also investigate the existence of life forms.
By investigating the internal structure of a large icy satellite that has an “internal ocean”, which is considered to be the field of life activity in the solar system, we can obtain knowledge about the interaction between the atmosphere, surface, and underground, and the process of material circulation.
Outcomes and Effects Obtained from Japan’s Participation
For many years, ISAS/JAXA has developed seismometers as the most important instrument for exploring the internal structure of the Moon and planets. In addition, there are many domestic researchers who have produced results not only through theoretical research but also through laboratory experiments in the field of icy satellites and astrobiology.
By demonstrating the results of technological development and scientific research to date in space, Japan will have a valuable opportunity to enhance the significance and value of the Dragonfly mission internationally.
（Image Credit: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben）