Getting The Telemetry Home: How Do You Get Data Back from Titan?

Abstract

Exploration of Titan is one of the primary objectives of the Cassini/Huygens mission Saturn due to launch in 1997. Limited data will be provided by Huygens as it descends to the surface via parachute and by Cassini as it orbits Saturn and occasionally passes near Titan. Interest in Titan is high because of its planet-class size, dense atmosphere, and the possibility of continents and seas. Already, there are discussions for a follow-on mission to Titan. There are several proposed designs such as balloons and boats to explore Titan's ethane seas. In all cases, reliable data links back to Earth are absolutely essential. However, simply increasing the power has its limits due to constraints on launch weights. There are a number of possible options for getting data back from Titan. These alternatives, and their effect on the mission profile are discussed.