Exploration drones can fly 60km above Venus

The experts of the BREEZE project developed a bird-like drone and equipped with many scientific instruments to "ride the wind" in the atmosphere of Venus.

NASA has announced several ideas for future missions that the agency plans to develop under the NASA Innovative Advanced Ideas (NIAC) program, Digital Trends reported on February 26. Among these is an impressive plan to explore Venus using bird-like drones that fly through the thick atmosphere.

Simulation of a Venus exploration drone under the BREEZE project.

The project is called BREEZE and is one of 17 projects selected for further study under the NIAC program. The BREEZE team will receive Phase II funding and may continue to develop the idea for another two years.

"NASA's space exploration mission requires new technologies and new ways of doing things. Studying these innovative ideas is the first step toward making science fiction a reality," said Jim Reuter, an expert at NASA's space agency. NASA, said.

The BREEZE project team intends to build exploration drones using an inflatable structure inspired by nature. As odd as it sounds, the idea makes sense considering the conditions on Venus.

Thick clouds interfere with observing Venus's surface from orbit. Therefore, exploration vehicles need to go below the clouds to have a good view. However, the pressure and temperature on the surface of Venus is so great that previous probes only lasted a few minutes on the surface of this planet.

Venus's thick atmosphere is filled with clouds of sulfuric acid, so it's not exactly a friendly environment. However, it is possible that the atmosphere is still suitable for drones to glide with strong winds.

"BREEZE will operate at an altitude of 50-60 km above the atmosphere, riding regional winds and crossing southerly winds to circle the planet every 4-6 days," said BREEZE project researcher Javid Bayandor. explain.

BREEZE scientific instruments include barometric turbidimeter, anemometer, magnetometer, mass spectrometer, synthetic aperture radar and visible light camera. They will allow scientists to choose whether to collect samples in scattered or repeat locations for geographic and atmospheric research. These studies include monitoring weather patterns, determining atmospheric composition, mapping Venus's magnetic field, and detailed surface scans.