NASA NASA - Venus Technology Plan (DRAFT) December, 2018

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the challenges and considerations for operating a nuclear reactor on Venus, given its extreme surface conditions of approximately 470°C and 93 bar pressure. Participants highlight the potential of using an open Brayton cycle for energy generation, akin to jet engines. The Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) is working on updating scientific priorities for Venus exploration, which includes a comprehensive Technology Plan aimed at enhancing future missions. Key areas of focus include developing high-temperature subsystems for long-duration operations, aerial platforms for atmospheric measurements, and in situ instruments for landed missions. The ongoing efforts emphasize the need for innovative technologies to explore and understand Venus effectively.
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This discussion relates to another thread on the feasibility of operating a nuclear reactor on Venus.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...ure-nuclear-reactor-operate-in-venus.1003619/

Venus represents a hostile environment with a surface temperature of ~470°C and pressure of 93 bar (1,350 psi), with a composition of 0.965 CO2, 0.035 N2, and traces of other gases like SO2, Ar, H2O, CO, . . . . Yet, there are folks giving it serious consideration.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmosphere_of_Venus

I'd recommend an open Brayton cycle, as in a jet engine-rocket motor.

The Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) resolved to update the scientific priorities and strategies for Venus exploration. To achieve this goal, three major tasks were defined to update: (1) the document prioritizing Goals, Objectives and Investigations for Venus Exploration: (GOI), (2) the Roadmap for Venus Exploration (RVE) that is consistent with VEXAG priorities as well as Planetary Decadal Survey priorities, and (3) the Technology Plan for future Venus missions. Here, we present the 2018 Venus Technology Plan.

https://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/reports/Venus-Technology-Plan-DRAFT-V1.pdf

Of interest are the areas of:
2. High-Temperature Subsystems and Components for Long-Duration (months) Surface Operations
3. Aerial Platforms for Missions to Measure Atmospheric Chemical and Physical Properties
4. In Situ Instruments for Landed Missions

Draft 2014 - https://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/reports/Venus-Technology-Plan-140617.pdf

Draft 2019 - https://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/reports/Venus-Technology-Plan-Final-Draft-070119.pdf

pdf - https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/10-20-2020/docs/D25349F5A7C9976B74F8D803827E58401D75255C2C09

Enjoy reading and learning.
 
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Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/
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