The next step in exploring Saturn's moon Titan might involve a hot air balloon. Titan, of course, has a substantial atmosphere, which, many scientists believe, may be similar to Earth's atmosphere before life began pumping oxygen into it. A hot air balloon could theoretically range over hundreds or thousands of miles of terrain-- much more than a surface rover could cover. The balloon would carry a scoop that would allow it to take surface samples along the way. A third element in the proposed mission would be an orbiter that would completely map Titan's surface.
NASA and ESA are looking to jointly pursue that mission, and a decision could be made next year. As planned, the mission would launch around 2020, and reach Titan about 2030.
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