[VIDEO] Mission To Saturn Mapped Out In Finding Alien Life
The search for alien life forms continues. The inclusion of a Saturn mission to look for extraterrestrial activities suddenly makes sense.
Following the success of the Cassini probe, scientists are eager to find out the extent of putting more undertakings in the ring-draped planet. It can be recalled that the space vessel has been collecting essential data about Saturn while in orbit.
As part of exploring the second largest celestial body in the solar system, astronomers are interested in investigating the planet's two natural satellites. Investigators believe that the moons Titan and Enceladus can actually sustain life. The associated process of probing will mean bringing sophisticated gadgets to Saturn.
In order to jumpstart the whole operation, the approval and support of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) will be crucial. Propositions are then submitted to the governing body.
The scientific operations will showcase initially the NASA-backed Enceladus Life Finder (ELF). It will soon be followed by the Explorer of Enceladus and Titan (E2T) which will be a joint effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the American space administration. As of late, financial resources are being sought in order to fund the entire program.
According to ELF co-proposer Linda Spilker, the project intends to delve into the potential of the Enceladus Ocean to become livable. She adds that finding traces of life will be a key piece for the undertaking.
Based on an outline, the ELF flight plan will operate at an altitude of around 50km or 31 miles over South Pole surface of the Enceladus. Water samples from the region, which are thrown into the air through the surface cracks, will be gathered.
A couple of mass spectrometers will be tapped to assess signs of life. The instruments are utilized to examine chemical mixtures which include carbon isotopes, amino acids and hydrogen gas. These substances offer indications that microbial life existed.
On the other hand, the E2T project will focus on investigating the capacities of the Titan and the Enceladus to sustain life. The operation will follow the path of the Cassini only this time, advanced equipment will be brought to perform analytical functions. High resolution images will be taken from the two moons.
