Proposal for a Sample Return from Titan

We propose to explore a Titan sample return mission using in-situ volatile propellants available on its surface. Titan is unique in the outer solar system in that it is the only moon with a thick atmosphere, andthe only body in the solar system outside the Earth with liquid seas on its surface. The Titanian oceans, however, are seas of liquid hydrocarbons, and the rocks on the surface are solid water ice. Many studies of space development emphasize use of the in-situ resources to eliminate the requirement to launch propellants from Earth. With water, liquid methane,and ethane easily available, Titan is a rocket scientist’s dream for propellants.