Challenges and approaches to the robotic detection of enantioenrichment on Saturn's moon, Titan.

Abstract

Saturn's moon, Titan, is one of the most interesting locations for organic chemistry in the solar system. As a possible follow up to the Cassini-Huygens mission, which will conduct the first in situ analysis of the Titan atmosphere in 2004, studies are underway for missions to explore in detail the chemical composition of Titan's atmosphere, surface, and oceans. In order to seek out and explore complex chemical systems that may represent steps on the pathway to life, instruments for detection of enantioenrichment should be included on such a mission. The formidable challenges of robotic measurement of enantioenrichment on Titan are summarized, and experimental approaches to this problem are reviewed. In addition, some speculations are offered concerning locations on Titan where complex fractionation of organic materials may have occurred.