Titan Saturn System Mission
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) |
| 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 Block IB, or Atlas V |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Titan |
| Semi-major axis | 1,500 km (930 mi) |
| Inclination | 85° |
| Period | ~4.8 h |
| Titan orbiter | |
| Orbital insertion | c. 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, where many complex phenomena were revealed by Cassini. TSSM was proposed to launch in 2020, following which it would have gotten gravity assists from Earth and Venus, and arrived 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, although TSSM will continue to be assessed for possible development and launch.