Venus Landsailing Rover

NASA Glenn has developed electronics and low-power photovoltaics that will continue to function even at the Venus temperature of 450°C. So the fundamental elements of a rover for Venus are not beyond the bounds of physics: we could survive the furnace of Venus-- if we can build a low-power mobility system like a landsail. The surface of Venus is the most hostile environment in the solar system, with a surface temperature hotter than an oven, and a high-pressure, corrosive atmosphere. It is significant that, although humans have sent rovers to Mars with operating lifetimes of eight years and counting, the most capable mission to the surface of Venus has been a stationary lander that survived for only two hours. Exploring the surface of Venus with a rover would be a "stretch" goal, which will push the limits of technology in high-temperature electronics, robotics, and robust systems. In work to develop sensors to work inside of jet engines, NASA Glenn has developed electronics that will continue to function even at the Venus temperature of 450°C. These electronic components represent a breakthrough in technological capability for high temperatures. We have also tested solar cells up to Venus surface temperatures; although the power density produced is low (because of the high cloud levels and thick atmosphere), we can produce electrical power on the surface. So the fundamental elements of a rover for Venus are not beyond the bounds of physics: we could survive the furnace of Venus-- if we can come up with an innovative concept for a rover that can move on extremely low power levels.

Venus is a scientifically fascinating planet and a mobile exploration rover would produce great public interest. It has been shown by missions to Mars that mobility on the surface is of great value to science exploration, and for a future mission to Venus, it is desired to be able to land a mission with a longer lifetime, and capable of mobility. Exploring the surface of Venus with a rover would be a stretch goal, which will push the limits of technology in high-temperature electronics, robotics, and robust systems. Yet it would be an exciting goal, since Venus is an unknown planet, a planet with significant scientific mysteries, and a planet larger than Mars with equally interesting (although less well known) geology and geophysics. A mission to the surface of Venus would expand our knowledge of the surfaces of terrestrial planets.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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