In a recent statement, ESA described the intense difficulties facing the EnVision mission. Topping the list of challenges is our planetary neighbor’s “hot, thick atmosphere,” which consists of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid fumes, making it the hottest planet in our Solar System. That means the agency will need a detailed plan to safely “surf” the Venusian atmosphere — without burning its spacecraft like a marshmallow that got too close to the flames.
Aero-Now What?
ESA is currently in the process of developing a tried-and-true “airbraking” method, which involves the spacecraft slowing down significantly so it can lower its orbit just above the inner edge of the planet’s atmosphere. At this stage, he will try to gather as much information as possible about the planet below. If all goes according to plan, EnVision will repeat this process over thousands of orbits. According to EnVision’s study director Thomas Voirin, the craft will reach up to 93 miles above the surface of Venus to get the best possible images — a process that will require the orbiter to withstand the planet’s hostile atmosphere. To help it do just that, ESA engineers are testing a range of different materials and coatings to protect the spacecraft’s sensitive scientific instruments.
Race for Venus
ESA announced the EnVision mission in 2021 and expects to reach Venus in the “early 2030s,” which is just a few years after NASA’s planned 2029 launch date for the ambitious DAVINCI mission, which includes both an orbiter and and a cathode detector. Given the many past collaborations between the two services – and the timing of their respective missions – they are likely already trading notes. READ MORE: Spacecraft Prepares to Surf Venus’ Atmosphere [ESA] More Venus news: MIT scientists say life may finally have been spotted on Venus
