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Communication Dans Un Congrès Année : 2021

Venus exploration in the Horizon 2061: the pertinence of a sample return mission

Résumé

Science questions: Since the Venera missions in the 70-80s, which provided in-situ analyses of few surface sites, space missions to Venus focused on its atmospheric composition (Venus Express, Akatsuki). Nevertheless, radar and infrared spectroscopy provided some hints about its surface composition at global scale, suggesting unidentified chemical reactions (highlands radar anomalies [1]), possible differentiated rocks [2]), possible active volcanoes [3], and a past active tectonics (tesserae, late resurfacing). Thermo-dynamic [4] and experi-mental studies [5] depict the possible mineral reactions affecting, or having affected, the surface composition. However, the exact composition of the tesserae, and even the plains, remains challenging. The complex stratification of the atmosphere also raises unsolved questions such as the nature of the UV absorber [6], missing reservoirs in atmospheric cycles and the conditions of coupling between topography and gravity waves [7]. In addition, the intermediate clouds may meet conditions propitious for the emergence/sustainability of life [8]. Measurement requirements and mission type: The key measurements to be performed to address these issues encompassing the Venus geodynamics, atmospheric processes and biological potential are available on Earth and include microscopic observations/analyses of rock samples; chromatography, mass spectrometry, NMR for gas/aerosols. Most of the required techniques have been space-qualified for in-situ measurement, mainly on Mars. However, the extreme conditions of the Venus surface and the density of its lower atmosphere constitute a serious limitation for any in-situ analyses (soil or atmosphere) and a possible alternative would be a sample return mission for both surface rocks and atmosphere. Technology challenges and synergies with existing or planned space missions: Return sample mission is a challenge in space exploration. With the exception of cosmic dust (Stardust), asteroid samples (Hayabusa) and lunar samples (Apollo), no robotic or human return mission from a distant extraterrestrial body has been performed yet. The major obstacle is the energy required for the return flight and demands advanced and breakthrough technologies. A Venus sample return mission may benefit from the Mars program in which a return mission is under evaluation by NASA, in the continuation of Mars2020. For Venus, still several more several critical technical issues have to be overcome such as the electronic accommodation to in-situ high temperatures [9] or the earth return vehicle and trajectory (once envisioned in 1986). However, the concept of aero-platforms [10] and the project of gateways development in the near future allowing the launch of vehicle at low gravity, as well as the development of propelled spacecraft (pulsed or thermal nuclear propulsion?), open optimistic directions.
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Dates et versions

insu-04482895 , version 1 (28-02-2024)

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Gilles Berger, Jeremie Lasue, Emmanuel Marcq, Pierre W. Bousquet, Patrick Pinet. Venus exploration in the Horizon 2061: the pertinence of a sample return mission. 43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly., Jan 2021, Sydney, Australia. pp.Abstract B0.7-0013-21 (oral), id.250. ⟨insu-04482895⟩
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