Saturn: Piercing the Depths

In darkness, light must arise from within. When there is no light to be seen, you must make your own. Deep within the melancholic atmosphere of Saturn, sunlight would be scarce. Plunged into darkness, with conditions frigid and inhospitable, solar-powered probes would be unthinkable. Radioisotope power systems (RPS) would be ideal for an autonomous glider to observe Saturn’s depths. Sending a probe into the atmosphere itself would greatly increase our understanding of the planet's atmosphere and weather. RPS is ideal because it would provide consistent power in any conditions. Furthermore, the thick atmosphere would allow for extremely efficient motor-glider designs. Excess heat from the RPS could be used a power a variety of experiments and protect cold-sensitive equipment. Even in the grimmest of Saturnian storms, RPS would allow the glider to sail on. Like the glider, I have weathered my share of storms. I have committed years of my life to fighting through fear and sadness. Often, when I was at my lowest, those around me could never “fix” it. Even with medication, fellowship, and therapy, my triumphs are my own. My perseverance is individual. If I did not fight- If I did not illuminate my own darkness- my path would have been much more difficult. I strive to be well enough that nothing- not even Saturn- seems out of reach. Like RPS, I burn from within; I burn in the hopes that one day the storms will cease. And that, in the aftermath, I will soar.