A Concept Study for Extraterrestrial Sea Exploration of Titan Via Deployable and Versatile Instrument Device (David) Buoys

Author

Mary Kate Smith

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Olsen, Gregory

Committee Member

Koenig, Keith

Committee Member

Brennan, Martin J.

Date of Degree

8-12-2016

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Department of Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Saturn’s moon, Titan, has been a scientific marvel since Cassini’s flyby discovered methane-ethane lakes in the northern hemisphere. Several science missions to explore these lakes have been proposed, but none have been launched. Using these previous mission designs, as well as the success of the Huygens probe, this paper will discuss the development of a deployable multi-buoy system with the intent of studying the methane-ethane lakes. The buoys will study the chemical makeup of the lakes, determine meteorology of Titan atmosphere, and map the depth and floor of the targeted lakes. This thesis is a concept study on the multi-buoy system that reviews briefly the concept and design.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/20638

Recommended Citation

Smith, Mary Kate, "A Concept Study for Extraterrestrial Sea Exploration of Titan Via Deployable and Versatile Instrument Device (David) Buoys" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 84.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/84