Starlit Depths: The Thalassic Realm of Mimas

Among the 293 moons in our solar system, ocean worlds prove to be particularly fascinating. This mission aims to study the Saturn moon Mimas and its potential for scientific discovery. Mimas, the innermost of Saturn’s major moons, has the surprising potential to harbor a subterranean ocean. Measurements of the moon’s libration taken by the Cassini spacecraft and observations of periapsis drift suggest the possibility of a young subterranean ocean that has not yet made a visible geological imprint. A dedicated deep space mission could determine the existence of a “stealth” ocean on Mimas with orbital craft and rovers. Spacecraft equipped with advanced technology such as Europa Clipper’s REASON or E-THEMIS can capture valuable data on the potential ocean. Solar power is limited in distant regions like Saturn. RPS systems could prove vital for keeping scientific instruments running on orbiters and surface-craft. Rovers equipped with MMRTGs could drill for subsurface water, deploy seismometers, and even disperse subsurface probes to explore the ocean directly. With temperatures ranging between -294°F to -320°F on the moon surface, RHUs are essential in keeping rover systems warm for operation. Subsurface probes could retrieve samples from oceanic layers or ice and perform radiometric dating to give valuable data on the history and evolution of Mimas’ potential oceanic properties. The history of space travel has never been easy and never will be. Perseverance is key: hit a problem, take a breath, and get to work. It is this single trait that fuels discovery, solves problems, and powers science. It is a mindset I live by—adapting, learning, tackling the next challenge, and embracing the same tenacity that makes a successful space program.