Prospects for Venus Exploration with Balloon Probes
Authors: Vorontsov V.A.
Published in issue: #10(178)/2026
Category: Aviation and Rocket-Space Engineering | Chapter: Design, Construction, Production, Testing, and Operation of Aircraft
The use of balloon probes is a promising direction for the exploration of Venus. The paper analyzes the experience of design and engineering work on the creation of the world's first balloon probes, which were included in the descent vehicles of the Vega-1 and Vega-2 automatic interplanetary stations. It is noted that, along with the continuity of schematic and technical solutions of the Venera series spacecraft, many new solutions were adopted and tested, such as the original layout within the descent vehicle, the organization of the balloon experiment as a whole, the original scheme for deploying the balloon during descent in the atmosphere under a parachute, and a number of others. The problems of experimental testing and the selection of envelope material for balloons intended to function in harsh environmental conditions are presented. Examples of the possible use of the technological heritage obtained during the creation of the first balloon probes for future Venusian expeditions and for other planetary exploration projects are given. The prospects for international cooperation in the implementation of future projects are considered. New directions for the development of controllable balloons for long-duration research are shown. Recommendations are given for expanding the Venus exploration program with the help of several balloons capable of drifting at various altitudes in and below the cloud layer, as well as in various regions of the planet.
EDN RNPTHJ
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