Venus Sample Return Using In-situ Propellant

Geoffrey A. Landis

NASA NTRS · 20240002986

Venus Sample Return Using In-situ Propellant

Abstract

This project will pioneer a new approach to return a sample from the surface of Venus. At 450°C and 92 bar pressure, the Venus surface is the most hostile environment in the solar system. This project merges an innovative carbon monoxide rocket concept using propellant made from the Venus atmosphere with innovations in high-temperature technology and solar aircraft. We turn an ambitious mission into a reality. The mission will return a sample from the scorching surface of Venus, using a novel multi-step approach incorporating new technology. The high-temperature solar aircraft collects the sample from the surface and carries it above the main cloud deck to a balloon platform with a launch vehicle & propellant manufacturing plant. The carbon monoxide/oxygen monopropellant is manufactured from the Venus atmosphere.

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Geoffrey A. Landis. Venus Sample Return Using In-situ Propellant. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20240002986

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