A Conceptual Titan Orbiter Mission Using Advanced Radioisotope Power Systems

Abstract. With the remarkable success of the Cassini-Huygens mission. considerable new knowledge has been ob-tained regarding the surface topography. composition and atmosphere characteristics of Titan. IHowever. Cassini-Huygens reprcsents only a bold beginning for the exploration of Titan. as only-20 % of the surface of Titan will have been mapped by the end ofthe nominal mission. I x g e gaps in knowledge will remain i n kc!. scientifi global surface topography. atmospheric and surface composition. precipitation rates. and the densit!.. thickness. and formation processes of clouds. This stud! details a conccptual follo\v-on Titan orbiter mission that would provide full global topographic coverage. surface imaging. and meteorological characterization of the atmosphere over a nominal 5-year science mission duration. The baseline power requirenicnt is-1 kWe at EOhl and is driven by a high powcr radar instrument that would provide 3-dirnensional ineasureinents of atmospheric clouds. precipitation. and surface topography. While this power level is moderately higher than that ol ' the Cassini spacecraft. higher efficiency ad-vanced KPSs could potentially reduce the plutonium usage to less than 113rd ofthat used on the Cassini spacecraft. The Iitan Orbiter mission is assumed to launch in 2015. I t would utilize advanced RPSs to provide all on-board po~vcr. and \vould cinploy an aeroshell to aerocapturc into Titan orbit. Additionally. a 500 kg "black box " deployed probe. with unspccified science instrumentation. \\as included in thc design. The advanced Stirling KPS n a g selectcd due to its projected high specific power and higlier conversion efficiency. rcsulting in the ability to include a 500 kg probe. I