Venus, often considered Earth’s twin due to its similar size and composition, is a mysterious world shrouded in thick clouds of sulfuric acid and droplets of water. Despite the challenges, scientists are eager to unravel its secrets and understand how it developed its unique atmosphere.
The Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VExAG), a community-based forum, aims to shape NASA’s strategy for exploring Venus. The group emphasizes the need for advanced technologies, such as balloons and aerial vehicles, to explore the skies and ground of Venus. Paul Byrne, lead on the VEXAG Strategic Plan Study Analysis Workgroup, suggests proposing an aerial robot mission with a variable-altitude balloon or even a short-lived lander that could last several hours.
Byrne also proposes building larger and more capable aerial platforms, such as balloons designed to last a year or more, or capable of carrying smaller drones. He envisions fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft operating as drones to larger platforms, paving the way for long-lived aerial platforms at all altitudes, landers, and eventually rovers.
While investment is crucial for realizing these possibilities, Byrne emphasizes that getting into the skies and onto the ground is a necessary step towards understanding Venus’ atmosphere and potential habitability. With cutting-edge technology and strategic planning, scientists can unlock the secrets of this enigmatic planet and potentially uncover clues about its past and potential future.
By focusing on exploration, rather than just searching for extraterrestrial life or colonization, scientists can make significant strides in understanding our closest planetary neighbor. As Byrne notes, “Understanding how Venus developed its atmosphere should be a high priority for humans, right now.” By exploring Venus with unconventional tech and groundbreaking strategies, scientists may uncover valuable insights into the planet’s history and potentially shed light on the mysteries of our solar system.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/venus/exploring-venus-may-require-exotic-tech-like-balloons-and-aerobots