Ralph Lorenz was an integral part of the Huygens probe (he constructed the sensor that went into the surface of Titan when the probe landed) and is the Mission Architect for the Dragonfly mission planned to launch in 2026 in an octocopter lander. Titan is a moon of Saturn, most recently explored by the Cassini/Huygens probes. Titan is of huge interest to scientists, as the conditions in its atmosphere and on its surface bear a striking similarity to those of early Earth. It is thought that there is a realistic possibility that forms of primitive life could develop - or may already have developed - on the surface or in the oceans of Titan, and so there are plans to send further probes to Titan in order to further explore the conditions on its surface and in its oceans. This exciting Haynes guide explores its complex chemistry with dramatic seasonal variations, geological and even oceanographic features, rivers of liquid methane and massive fields of giant carbon-rich sand dunes. Individual chapters focus on subjects such as Titan's atmosphere, interior, and surface features, lakes and seas, chemistry and interaction with the space environment, potential manned and unmanned missions. The theme of the book is how Titan works 'as a planet', with an emphasis on illustrating the features and processes of Titan with familiar analogues and imagery of geographical and geological features on Earth. The final chapter looks at Titan in practical terms as an environment for humans in the future, bringing the place 'to life', a little in science fiction style, but grounded in fact. Dozens of colour photos of iconic images and the final mosaics from the 13 year mission, and astonishing graphs and diagrams. 196 pages. 21.5 x 28cm.
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