Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the - Solar System ...

Conclusions
Based on analyses of the mechanical, thermal, power, avionics, and communication designs for
the probe and the carrier spacecraft, a Venus mission using the metallic bellows architecture for shortlived
(~5 hrs) aerial mobility is technically feasible. The cost estimate for the nominal baseline mission
was estimated to be in the flagship range. The cost is driven by the metallic bellows and supporting
mechanisms for its operation. Technology development, accommodation, and complex integration also
contribute to the high cost of the probe.
VENUS INTREPID TESSERA LANDER
A mission concept study performed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and NASA’s Ames
Research Center.
Overview
The purpose of this enhanced rapid mission architecture study was to investigate a mission
capable of safely landing in one of the mountainous tessera regions of Venus. This mission concept
provides key measurements of surface chemistry and mineralogy and imaging of a tessera region, as well
as new measurements of important atmospheric species that can answer fundamental questions about the
evolution of Venus.
Science Objectives
• Characterize chemistry and mineralogy of the Venus surface.
• Place constraints on the size and temporal extent of a possible ocean in Venus’s past.
• Characterize the morphology and relative stratigraphy of surface units.
Mission Design
The mission design elements include a carrier spacecraft to be used as a communications relay
and a two-element probe. The probe elements are: the Venus lander; and the entry and descent element
including aeroshell and parachute systems. The lander’s design focuses on enabling a safe landing in the
rough tessera terrain. The launch opportunity considered was for 2021, with fly-by and descent/landing
mission elements in 2022.
Mission Challenges
The most significant challenges posed by this mission were related to the development of a high-
TRL level Raman/laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system, safe landing, and testing at
Venus environmental conditions. To reduce risk, advancements in two key technology areas are needed:
first, verifying the Raman/LIBS implementation, calibrated operation, and sizing for the Venus surface
environment, including high entry loads on the laser and second, additional analyses and testing to ensure
safe landing in potentially rugged terrains (at lander scales).
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