REVolution - A Robotic program for Exploration of Venus to better understanding of planetary evolution
- Paper number
IAC-06-A3.2.05
- Author
Ms. Bijal Thakore, International Space University (ISU), France
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The planet Venus is of a similar size to Earth and is believed to have a runaway greenhouse effect. This makes it a planet of particular interest, especially as more knowledge about this phenomenon would help better understand and possibly, mitigate processes occurring on Earth. Due to challenges involved in surviving harsh conditions in the Venusian atmosphere it is not believed that human exploration may not be viable in the near future. Hence, an exploration architecture implemented through robotic means is required. Participants of the International Space University Summer Session Program 2005 (ISU-SSP '05) have proposed an architecture to understand planetary evolution via comparative planetology. The proposed program carried out via international cooperation, is based on three scientific interests: atmosphere, surface and life. A study of the past processes of Venus climate and geology using the concept of ‘robotic swarms’ and new technologies would extend our understanding of the origin and distribution of life in the solar system. The architecture extends from 2005-2050 and would start by bridging the gap between the present knowledge of the upper atmospheric phenomenon, to in-situ investigations of the lower atmosphere (in mid term) and of the surface in the far term.
- Abstract document