Few places in the solar system are better suited for a hot air balloon, than Titan. The combination of low gravity and high density of the atmosphere makes Saturn's largest moon ideal for a vehicle, lighter than air, and the idea of getting it there has been around for at least two decades. Why haven't we done this yet?? The answer is simple – the size of the balloon required is too large for existing launch platforms. But the Boeing command, prime contractor of the space launch system (SLS), thinks, that their new launch platform will be able to launch a large balloon into orbit with the necessary scientific payload and begin to unravel the mysteries of this intriguing satellite .
Boeing's design is more like a traditional airship. He will have a balloon, filled with helium, and two ballast tanks, which combined with a cruciform tail would allow the balloon to control its roll, angle and turn.
The balloon will absorb local atmospheric gases, to descend, or throw them away, to get up, controlling your height. Boeing engineers proposed two different altitude configurations: balloon volume 150 m3 for height 5 km or a balloon in volume 400 m3 for high-altitude orbit 20 km. When compressed, balls of both sizes can fit into the SLS fairing.
The gondola will have different instruments, including RADAR and LIDAR systems to scan Titan's surface and, in particular, tracking any changes, caused by geological activity. There may also be atmospheric sensors, which could reveal, whether there are any organic molecules in this place, which would indicate that, what cycle of liquid methane exists, if there is one.
Another important point about mission design is that, that it will last a long time - the team expects, that such a balloon would last in Titan's atmosphere for years. During this time, she will be able to notice long-term trends, such as seasonal variability, and, perhaps, why does the night side of Titan seem warmer?, than day.
The mission was designed to be launched in 2034-2036 years, with several different windows of opportunity during these years. Along with this, SLS has its challenges, which may delay this schedule. SLS has been launched once, in 2022 year, its second launch is planned not earlier 2026 year - almost four years later. It is also not reusable, and considering the requirements, which she has, to meet NASA's request for Artemis launches to the Moon, unlikely, that any additional SLS launches will be available during this time period.
That's not to mention the cost, which at the time of writing is valued at 2,5 billion dollars in one launch. Despite that, that over time the value may fall in value, she will still have to compete with the Starship missile, as having a higher launch capability and has made four flights since then, as SLS made its maiden voyage into the sky more than two years ago.
Dragonfly, NASA's helicopter mission to Titan, already plans to use the Falcon Heavy rocket to launch in 2028 year. Although the Falcon Heavy does not have such a large payload capacity, like SLS, it could still potentially get a smaller version of the same mission to Titan.
Source: https://www.universetoday.com/170351/sls-could-launch-a-titan-balloon-mission/