INTRODUCTION TO COLONIZE TITAN
Up to this point, the primary focus of researchers has been on the Moon or Mars as the best options for the initial stage of solar system colonization. These destinations are advantageous due to their proximity to Earth and surface environments that are somewhat compatible with current technological capabilities. Among other potential destinations, Mercury‘s close proximity to the Sun, extreme temperatures, and challenging physical conditions make it seem impractical. Venus, while much closer, has a toxic, dense atmosphere and scorching temperatures caused by uncontrolled greenhouse effects. Despite the apparent feasibility of the Moon and Mars as potential destinations, they also present significant challenges. Both lack a protective magnetic field and substantial atmosphere, necessitating future colonizers to reside in underground shelters to shield themselves from dangerous cosmic radiation. The prospect of spending a lifetime in an underground tunnel on a new world is not appealing to many. This unresolved issue has led some expert planetologists to propose that neither the Moon nor the Red Planet may be the ideal location for the first human colony, by colonize Titan, Saturn‘s largest moon! Although surprising, scientists are convinced that Titan is the only place where a self-sustaining colony can be established in the long run, despite its surface temperature of around -180°C and methane and ethane rains flowing into hydrocarbon seas. Is there merit to this hypothesis? Let’s explore the potential advantages of this seemingly unconventional choice together! Are you ready to begin?
TITAN SUMMARY
Titan, the second largest moon in our solar system after Ganymede, is considered one of the most mysterious. Over the years, astronomers and astrobiologists have become increasingly fascinated by this moon of Saturn due to its thick atmosphere and unique geological characteristics. Unlike any other moon, Titan has a climate model that closely resembles Earth’s, exhibiting distinct seasons and various weather conditions, including clear, cloudy, very windy, or rainy days. Its surface is adorned with dunes, rivers, deltas, lakes, and seas. Despite its alien environment and average temperatures of around -180°C, let’s consider the potential for future colonization and explore its positive aspects.
ATMOSPHERE OF TITAN
The atmosphere of Titan shields the surface from cosmic radiation. Without an atmosphere dense enough to protect their surface from solar radiation, especially galactic cosmic radiation, any colony would ideally have to be located underground. However, Titan has by far the densest atmosphere of any rocky body in the solar system, apart from Venus, which reduces incoming radiation to a negligible amount. A planet’s atmosphere is particularly effective at keeping away the most-deadly radiations, those coming from within our galaxy. The potential carcinogenicity of these radiations has been known for some time, although it remains poorly quantified. Radiations can ionize the atoms they pass through, passing almost unhindered through a typical spacecraft or an astronaut’s body, destroying brain tissue and leading to the loss of cognitive abilities. On Earth, in addition to the magnetic field, we are protected by the water in the atmosphere. But on Mars and the Moon, virtually devoid of a gaseous envelope, it would take two meters of water to block half of the incoming radiation. Or four meters of soil. To protect against radiation, it has an atmosphere more than 50% thicker than Earth’s. Not to mention that Saturn’s gigantic magnetosphere also provides shelter, which helps to colonize Titan.
ON TITAN, YOU WOULDN'T REQUIRE A PRESSURIZED SUIT
The majority of rocky planets and all other moons in our solar system have barely detectable atmospheres. In comparison, Mars’ atmosphere is only slightly denser than the air found in a standard laboratory vacuum here on Earth. However, Titan’s plentiful atmosphere means that the air pressure is more suitable for human visitors. It is just 50% higher than that of Earth, which is quite manageable, allowing colonists to move on the surface without the necessity of wearing uncomfortable pressurized suits. The dense atmosphere enables much greater thermal exchange with the environment, requiring heated and super-insulated suits, as well as an oxygen supply respirator, all of which are already within our technological capabilities.
TITAN HAS THE RICHEST ATMOSPHERE OF NITROGEN
Titan possesses the most abundant nitrogen atmosphere in the solar system. With over 98% nitrogen, it surpasses Earth’s 78%, making it the most Earth-like atmosphere in our solar system. Colonists would only need to introduce oxygen, utilizing the existing nitrogen as a buffer, to generate breathable air. Although lacking oxygen, the moon harbors water ice deposits just beneath its surface, providing a potential source of oxygen for breathing and fuel combustion. Living in sealed structures with controlled atmospheres would be necessary for colonists, along with the use of advanced space suits for outdoor activities. Oxygen production through water electrolysis or genetically modified plants could aid in establishing a habitable environment, that could lead to colonize Titan.
RIVER, LAKES AND SEAS ON TITAN
Titan possesses rivers, lakes, and seas, making it the only celestial body in the solar system, apart from Earth, with substantial surface liquids. It boasts seas, rivers, lakes, rain, and glaciers, similar to our own planet, but with methane and ethane instead of water, which remain liquid at incredibly low temperatures. With abundant solid and liquid hydrocarbons on its surface, Titan offers an ample supply of fuel for a potential colony, containing hundreds of times more natural gas than all known reserves on Earth. Fortunately, the liquids on Titan are not flammable in its oxygen-free atmosphere, making them easier to convert into fuel. Despite not being visible, there is an abundance of water on Titan, which remains permanently frozen on the surface due to its extremely cold temperatures. Although there is no internal salty ocean, there is a significant amount of frozen water on the moon’s surface and within its rocks. Scientists suggest that Titan’s outer shell is primarily composed of water ice, making extraction relatively feasible. The seas of Titan could serve as a source of polymers for construction. With its vast reserves of liquid and solid hydrocarbons, Titan provides everything needed to construct a permanent shelter, ideal for using space-age polymers to build sustainable surface structures instead of relying on traditional building materials. Thanks to the thick atmosphere and Saturn’s magnetic field protecting the surface from harmful radiation, colonists could construct surface habitats rather than having to create extensive underground shelters. Energy poses a significant challenge due to the distance from the Sun and the dense atmosphere of Titan, rendering solar panels inefficient. Titan’s atmosphere, about ten times thicker than Earth’s, suggests that the brightness of the sky at noon might be similar to Earth’s sky five minutes after sunset, making advanced nuclear reactors or harnessing local resources like methane and ethane from the lakes, potential solutions for power generation. Additionally, alternative energies such as wind or hydrogen could be viable options. Titan’s nitrogen-rich atmosphere could be used as fertilizer, similar to Earth. Although inhospitable, Titan appears to contain everything necessary to establish a self-sufficient colony, crucial due to its considerable distance from Earth (1.2 billion km). Food production presents a critical challenge, requiring the development of greenhouse cultivation systems that can operate in Titan’s cold temperatures and utilize methane as a source of carbon for plants. Additionally, cultivating resilient microorganisms capable of converting local resources into food would be essential for a sustainable food supply. Fortunately, Titan provides all the fertilizer needed to grow food, with its nitrogen-rich atmosphere and abundance of methane and ammonia.
RESOURCES NEARBY
Although Titan represents almost all the mass orbiting Saturn and is by far the largest moon of the planet, the abundance of other bodies in the Saturnian system also presents significant economic and exploratory potential. For example, the nearby Enceladus hosts an underground ocean of water, kept liquid by tidal friction caused by Saturn’s immense gravitational attraction. This makes it one of the places in the solar system with the highest likelihood of finding extraterrestrial life. A permanent base on Titan would be ideal for use as an outpost, a launchpad to numerous other destinations in the outer solar system.
WE COULD EVEN FLY THERE
By far the simplest and most economical way to colonize Titan would be to simply put on a pair of wings and… fly! Due to its small size and low density, Titan has a surface gravity of only about 14% of that of Earth, which is slightly less than that of our Moon. The extremely high ratio of atmospheric density to surface gravity also significantly reduces the wingspan required for an aircraft to maintain lift, to the point where a human could sustain flight wearing a sort of winged suit that could easily be produced with today’s technology. Fear of falling? No problem… The freefall acceleration is seven times lower than that on Earth, and the maximum falling speed, accounting for air resistance, is ten times lower. In the case of a fall from any height, it would not be possible to impact at a speed greater than 18 km/h. Okay, all interesting and exciting… But this certainly doesn’t mean that Elon Musk or NASA will rush to change their destinations for upcoming missions! Unfortunately, Titan is a distant world, and its favorable characteristics will not be enough to convince us Earthlings to spend at least 400 billion dollars to get there when, in twenty years, we could plant the flag on a peak of the red planet with just 100 billion. Certainly, when it comes to colonize Titan, we’re talking about, not just a brief visit like what’s planned for Mars. This means that a spacecraft specifically designed to carry a substantial number of humans and the necessary resources for survival on Titan would need to be constructed. This spacecraft should be self-sufficient for a long-duration journey and capable of sustaining human life for months or even years. The crew would need to be carefully selected and trained to face the unique challenges of life on Titan. Astronauts should be multidisciplinary, with expertise in sciences, engineering, medicine, and other disciplines necessary for survival. Before sending humans, it would be wise to dispatch advanced robotic missions to prepare the groundwork. These robots should undertake tasks such as building shelters, gathering resources, and preparing the environment for the arrival of the human crew. Once on Titan, astronauts would need to land safely and begin establishing a colony. This phase would involve constructing habitat structures, producing food, and implementing life support systems that can function in Titan’s unique conditions. All of this will cost a significant amount of money, and it can only happen when we have found a more efficient propulsion technology than chemical rockets. It won’t occur in 20 years or even 100. Likely, we’ll truly begin to consider it in a couple of centuries, after we’ve drawn the first conclusions from the colonization of Mars. Even that is not guaranteed to succeed…