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Completed TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 3)
Earth's sister planet, Venus, is the most similar to Earth in size and the closest to Earth in location, but is one of the most hostile surface environments in the solar system. Nevertheless, Venus is a planet of great scientific interest. A number of advances in high temperature technology allow the possibility of designing a lander which can operate on the surface of Venus. The ability of the Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER) to simulate Venus surface conditions, along with Glenn's expertise in high-temperature materials, electronics, and components, give Glenn unexcelled capabilities in developing and testing technologies for Venus. In this project, we aimed to test power supply components for Venus. However, all missions require power to operate, and a power system that can operate in the high temperature (450°C), high pressure (about 92 bar) corrosive environment has not yet been demonstrated. The goal addressed was to demonstrate the components for the power system for a Venus surface mission, an enabling technology for Venus exploration.
High temperature, high pressure power systems are a unique problem that is not being addressed by other programs. This addresses the first element of NASA's strategic goal: “Expand the frontiers of knowledge, capability, and opportunity in space.” Power systems will be required for a future mission to the surface of Venus, supporting the NASA mission of solar system exploration. Glenn has a unique capability in this area, with expertise in power systems, high temperature materials and electronics, and capability to simulate the Venus environment. Benefits in 5 to 10 years are that we will prepare a demonstration of a power system that will allow a technology demonstration mission to the surface of Venus. Benefits in 10 to 20 years are that we will be able to build on this technology demonstration to open up the surface of Venus to as extensive an exploration program as we currently have on Mars, and will potentially be able to apply this technology to probes into the deep atmosphere of gas giant planets (which also have high temperature and pressure).
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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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