So, hey, it rains Natural Gas on one of Saturn's Moons...

Originally Posted by Dullenplain

Who says the methane has to be transported back to Earth to be used? If we are able to mine the resources of Titan, it is bound to be used for space purposes, such as fuel or an organic source in stations where greenhouse gases are of little concern. Imagine a base on Mimas or Tethys that might process this and turn it into rocket fuel or power relays between stations in the solar system.

Of course, we'll also have to deal with the cosmic environmentalists who will protest any enroachment into the purity and sanctity of the heavenly bodies as part of the interconnected universe and father sky life force.

A few private companies (as well as NASA, when they have funding), are actively researching Methane rocket engines. Methane is great in that its a lot easier to store for long periods of time, unlike hydrogen, which leaks out of practicaly any container after a length of time. The engine isn't as powerful, but it would be a lot safer to use.

Also, getting to Titan would be a problem. Coming back wouldn't be as much (you're falling towards the sun), but then you deal with having to slow down enough when you get to the inner solar system.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by x86

Yes. Getting back from Titan would definitely be a problem: since the atmosphere is full of methane, a rocket's ignition would cause neat FX, if not turning Titan into space dust.

Lack of oxygen?

There's nowhere I can't reach.

That and there is plenty of stuff to do in the inner solar system. Perhaps enough to keep humanity occupied for centuries. The Moon, Mars, and the asteroid "belt" would all be massive undertakings.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.