 Artist's impression of the three main components of the TSSM exploring Titan | |
| Names | TandEM |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Saturn exploration |
| Operator | NASA / ESA |
| Website | sci.esa.int |
| Mission duration | 2 years (proposed)[1] |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Launch mass | Orbiter: 1,613 kg (3,556 lb) |
| Landing mass | Montgolfière:600 kg (1,300 lb) Lander: 190 kg (420 lb) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Proposed: Between 2020 and 2029 |
| Rocket | Delta IV Heavy, Space Launch System[2] Block IB, or Atlas V |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Titan Orbit |
| Semi-major axis | 1,500 km (930 mi) |
| Inclination | 85° |
| Period | ~4.8 h |
| Epoch | Proposed |
| Titan orbiter | |
| Orbital insertion | Between 2029-2038 (proposed) |
| Titan atmospheric probe | |
| Spacecraft component | TSSM montgolfière |
| Titan lander | |
| Spacecraft component | Titan Mare Explorer or other TSSM lander proposal |
| Landing site | Ligeia Mare |
Titan Saturn System Mission (TSSM) was a joint NASA–ESA proposal for an exploration of Saturn and its moons Titan and Enceladus,[1] where many complex phenomena were revealed by Cassini. TSSM was proposed to launch in 2020, get gravity assists from Earth and Venus, and arrive at the Saturn system in 2029. The 4-year prime mission would include a two-year Saturn tour, a 2-month Titan aero-sampling phase, and a 20-month Titan orbit phase.
In 2009, a mission to Jupiter and its moons was given priority over Titan Saturn System Mission,[3] although TSSM will continue to be assessed for possible development and launch.
- ^ a b "TANDEM/TSSM mission summary". European Space Agency. 20 October 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
nasa.govwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Rincon, Paul (2009-02-20). "Jupiter in space agencies' sights". BBC News. Retrieved 2009-02-20.