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Source– This post on Dragonfly Rotorcraft mission is based on the article “NASA says its futuristic Dragonfly mission will launch in 2028” published in “Indian Express” on 19th April 2024.
Why in the News?
NASA has confirmed its Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Saturn’s organic-rich moon Titan.
About Dragonfly Rotorcraft mission
1. It is a “dual quadcopter” designed to fly across the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. It is scheduled to reach Titan in 2034.
2. This mission will be NASA’s first to employ a flying vehicle for scientific exploration on another planetary body.
3. The rotorcraft will visit numerous intriguing sites on the moon to study prebiotic chemical processes that are key to understanding both Titan and the early Earth before life began.
4. It is equipped with eight rotors and the rotorcraft operates similarly to a large drone.
5. It will be powered by a radioisotope power system, similar to the one used by the Curiosity rover on Mars.
6. It will spend most of its time on the moon’s surface making science measurements.
7. All flights, data transmissions, and the majority of scientific operations will occur during Titan’s daytime, which will allow ample time for recharging during the moon’s nighttime periods.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
