NASA is exploring a robotic submarine that will launch a major probe on Titan.

NASA really takes the cake when it comes to ambitious projects. Under the auspices of their Innovative Advanced Concept Program, NASA studies concepts that could in their words, “Change the Possible in aerospace.” One of the 12 concepts selected this year for the Phase 1 study is an autonomous submarine to explore the mysterious methane lakes of Titan, the largest of Saturn’s moons.

Titan is perplexing to scientists, as this particular moon is the only body outside of Earth that has surface liquid lakes and seas. Instead of water however, the Titanian seas are comprised of liquid hydrocarbons.

Staffers at NASA hope the submarine will help them learn more about what exactly lies underneath that fluid. The submersible vehicle’s main focus will be exploring Titan’s largest northern sea, Kraken Mare.

A NASA press release notes “This craft will autonomously carry out detailed scientific investigations under the surface of Kraken Mare, providing unprecedented knowledge of an extraterrestrial sea and expanding NASA’s existing capabilities in planetary exploration..”

The submarine needs to be a highly specialized vehicle, capable of operating in what is essentially a sea of liquid natural gas. Kraken Mare measures about 720-miles long and is estimated to be 1,000 feet deep.

The surface temperature is reportedly 290 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. If the submarine’s mission is successful, it will become the first to dive into a body of liquid outside of Earth.

The Phase 1 grant will allow the project team to define and research how the underwater vehicle will be powered and propelled. While decades of research and development would be needed, the goal is to have it operating sometime in the 2040s during Titan’s summer.