Exploring the Habitability of Venus: Conceptual Design of a Small Atmospheric Probe

Ribes-Pleguezuelo, Pol and Delacourt, Bruno and Holmberg, Mika K. G. and Iorfida, Elisabetta and Reiss, Philipp and Salinas, Guillermo and Suliga, Agnieszka (2021) Exploring the Habitability of Venus: Conceptual Design of a Small Atmospheric Probe. Aerospace, 8 (7). p. 173. ISSN 2226-4310

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Abstract

The possible presence of life in the atmosphere of Venus has been debated frequently over the last 60 years. The discussion was recently reignited by the possible detection of phosphine (PH3), but several other chemicals potentially relevant for life processes are also found in the middle atmosphere. Moreover, the reasons for the heterogeneous ultraviolet (UV) absorption between 320 and 400 nm in the altitude range ∼40–70 km are still not well understood. These aspects could be further studied in-situ by UV Raman and fluorescence instruments. Here, the conceptual design of a small balloon probe (<20 kg) is presented, including a science payload comprising a UV laser, spectrometer, and a telescope. The goal of the proposed mission is to analyse the absorption of UV light in Venus’ atmosphere, to study the atmospheric composition, and to verify the possible presence of biomarkers. Current state-of-the-art technologies would allow a more cost-efficient and easy to develop mission, as compared to previous Venus probes. This article is focused on the scientific instrumentation, as well as on the mass and power budgets required to realise the proposed mission.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Universal Eprints > Engineering
Depositing User: Managing Editor
Date Deposited: 09 Jan 2023 05:13
Last Modified: 14 Mar 2024 03:55
URI: http://journal.article2publish.com/id/eprint/1206

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