Dragonfly: A rotorcraft lander concept for scientific exploration at titan

Ralph D. Lorenz, Elizabeth P. Turtle, Jason W. Barnes, Melissa G. Trainer, Douglas S. Adams, Kenneth E. Hibbard, Colin Z. Sheldon, Kris Zacny, Patrick N. Peplowski, David J. Lawrence, Michael A. Ravine, Timothy G. McGee, Kristin S. Sotzen, Shannon M. MacKenzie, Jack W. Langelaan, Sven Schmitz, Lawrence S. Wolfarth, Peter D. Bedini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

221 Scopus citations

Abstract

The major post-Cassini knowledge gap concerning Saturn's icy moon Titan is in the composition of its diverse surface, and in particular how far its rich organics may have ascended up the "ladder of life." The NASA New Frontiers 4 solicitation sought mission concepts addressing Titan's habit-ability and methane cycle. A team led by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) proposed a revolutionary lander that uses rotors to land in Titan's thick atmosphere and low gravity and can repeatedly transit to new sites, multiplying the mission's science value from its capable instrument payload.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)374-387
Number of pages14
JournalJohns Hopkins APL Technical Digest (Applied Physics Laboratory)
Volume34
Issue number3
StatePublished - Oct 2018

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Engineering
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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