NASA Invites Public to Send Names to Saturn's Moon Titan Aboard Dragonfly

NASA has announced an opportunity for the public to submit their names to travel aboard the upcoming Dragonfly rotorcraft mission to Saturn's moon, Titan. According to the announcement, participant names will be included on a microchip carried by the spacecraft, and individuals can receive a personalized digital boarding pass commemorating the mission.

Nicky Fox, associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, described the initiative as a way to involve humanity in the historic exploration of Saturn's largest moon. The agency stated that Dragonfly represents the first science mission to fly a rotorcraft on the surface of another world.

Mission Overview and Timeline

• Launch Schedule: Dragonfly is scheduled to launch in 2028.
• Assembly Location: The rotorcraft is currently being assembled at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland.
• Destination Arrival: The spacecraft is expected to arrive at Titan in 2034.
• Name Submission Deadline: Members of the public can submit their names until 11:59 p.m. EST on January 15, 2027.

Scientific Objectives at Titan

Titan features a dense atmosphere, liquid methane rivers and lakes, extensive dunes, and an organic-rich landscape. Upon arrival, Dragonfly is planned to fly to multiple locations to explore diverse environments. The mission aims to search for pre-biotic chemistry—the chemistry that preceded biology—to help scientists understand conditions necessary for life.

Leadership and Verification

Dragonfly is the fourth mission in NASA's New Frontiers Program, managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center. Elizabeth Turtle of APL serves as the principal investigator, with APL managing the mission design and construction for NASA.

To verify original announcements and submit names, interested individuals should consult official NASA channels and the designated mission web pages.