First stop , the only moon in the solar system with a substantial atmosphere , Titan .
Scene 1 : Titan ( Zoom into Titan and orbit around it . Turn orbit trails OFF .)
Researchers believe extraterrestrial life might exist on Titan because of its many similarities to Earth . As Saturn ’ s largest moon and the second-largest natural satellite in our solar system , Titan features a thick , icy shell under which scientists believe are subsurface liquid methane seas . With a surface temperature of – 290 degrees Fahrenheit , water is frozen solid , but methane remains liquid . Therefore , Titan has a methane cycle much like Earth ’ s water cycle with methane playing the liquid role water does here on our home planet , Earth . Methane seas could be near Titan ’ s equator and ice in its arctic regions . The presence of liquid methane is promising for researchers who believe non-intelligent life could thrive on methane-based planets .
In 2004 , the Cassini spacecraft and the Huygens probe discovered that , like Earth , Titan does indeed have a nitrogen-rich atmosphere , an essential quality for sustaining life . The atmosphere is actually dense enough that you could walk around without a spacesuit , although you would need protection from the bitter cold and an oxygen mask . In fact , Titan is the only moon in our solar system known to have an atmosphere dense enough to support life . Around three years ago , NASA announced a trip to Titan in the near future . The mission is set for launch in 2027 and aims to reach Saturn ’ s moon in 2034 . The Dragonfly spacecraft , equipped with a state-of-the-art drone quadcopter , will gather data and continue NASA ’ s search for extraterrestrial life . ( Start flying to Europa .) Until 2034 , when the Dragonfly reaches Titan , this moon will remain partly a mystery . Until then , scientists continue their search for signs of life elsewhere .
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