posted 01-06-2012 06:45 AM               

The Aviatr plane looks like the drones that fly over Afghanistan - but the $715 million vehicle is designed to fly over Saturn's largest moon, Titan, a body that has fascinated scientists because of its thick, cloudy atmosphere.

The Aviatr probe is built to take 3D photos of the surface, to help scientists build up a picture of the planet's geology.

At the end of its mission, the 120kg aircraft would dive down to the surface and attempt a landing on Titan's dunes.

Jason Barnes, a scientist at a University of Idaho designed the concept with a team of 30.

Aviatr did not make NASA's last round of funding - although the $715m price tag includes a delivery system to get it to Titan.

Barnes remains hopeful that interest in Aviatr is high, and that he can make the next round of funding.

He is insistent that a heavier-than-air craft is the best way to explore the thick atmosphere of Titan - and that a balloon would not do the job.