Scientists have proposed an innovative solution to a long-standing problem in exploring Venus’ atmosphere with balloons. The current design of balloon probes is limited by its reliance on solar power and the cooling effects of the planet’s dense atmosphere, causing gas leakage and loss of buoyancy over time. To overcome these challenges, researchers are combining existing technology from the Mars experiment, MOXIE, which extracts oxygen from carbon dioxide.
The proposed system uses a unit similar to MOXIE, but instead of being part of a rover, it would be integrated into a balloon probe. This unit would decompose carbon dioxide into atomic oxygen and molecular oxygen through solid oxide electrolysis. The resulting lighter gases can maintain the balloon’s buoyancy indefinitely.
Moreover, this “reverse fuel cell” technology allows the system to generate electricity at night when the solar panels are not charged, eliminating the need for heavy batteries. This innovation could make Venus exploration more feasible and open up new possibilities for research on the planet’s atmosphere.
Source: https://universemagazine.com/en/a-balloon-can-fly-in-venus-atmosphere-indefinitely