Mars may not be the only viable body in our solar system worthy of exploration anymore. A recent study has finally compiled enough radar data after eight years to conclude that the Saturn moon Titan has water. Well, liquid anyway. The Saturn-orbiting spacecraft Cassini has found large bodies of water pooling on the surface of Titan, a moon of Saturn. It also boasts a sea of pure methane. Could Titan be the next object of desire for NASA, SpaceX, China and Russia? The new data may spark a new space race.
Methane on Saturn Moon Titan
Before the eight years of data was finally collected and analyzed, scientists thought that Titan was merely an ethane filled moon. However, scientists in France, at LATMOS research laboratory were surprised to find that methane, and not ethane, was present. In fact, the second-largest sea on the Saturn moon, Ligeia Mare is pretty much pure methane. Research published in the Journal of Geophysical Research Planets presented two theories about the methane sea on Titan. It could be methane rain accumulating in the sea, or ethane leaking into the sea.
Cassini Orbit Mission
The radar data collected by Cassini, the Saturn-orbiting spacecraft, has been piling up since 2007. Interestingly, scientists conducted an experiment in 2013, which involved bouncing radar waves off of the seabed of Titan. It also gave the scientists a view into depth, measuring at 525 feet. Even more compelling is the organic mud on the sea bottom. Cassini’s data may give scientists a clearer picture of the Saturn moon, allowing for future research, or possibly manned missions. Two percent is covered in space liquid, similar to the three large seas found on the surface of earth’s moon.
What Will Come Next?
The discovery of liquid on the Saturn moon may trigger a new space race. China already has its sights set on orbiting, landing, and exploring the dark side of the earth’s moon. Why not add Titan to their list of space conquests. It is no secret that China will fair better in future space exploration. Their budgets continue to increase, as NASA and Russia budgets dwindle. Titan seems a bit more inviting than Mars, but can you grow potatoes?
