Venus is the second planet from the sun and next to is in the solar system. As well as sharing the same space, we also share other similar properties with Venus, and the planet is often referred to as “Earth’s Twin”. Both have similar sizes, masses, and their compositions are also similar, but likeness ends there.
Venus is a very hostile environment, with average temperatures of around 462 °C (863.6 °F), atmospheric pressure 90 times that of Earth, and clouds made up of sulphuric acid. Hence why not that many Venus missions have been done as perhaps those to Mars or the Moon. But, with the Japanese successfully completing their Akatsuki mission in December last year, and NASA and ESA both planning the further exploration of Venus in the 2020’s we may be seeing more of the “Morning Star” than expected.
Previous missions to Venus in the 70’s and 80’s were not as successful as astronomers hoped. Because of the planets hazardous environment, it has been impossible to create something that can withstand that and last for a reasonable length of time. The Russian Venera-D came complete with a lander that was able to test the atmospheric and rock compositions and had the ability to look inside the planet also. But, the downside of it was that due to being battery operated, its running time was around three hours.
To make the mission to Venus more successful, teams are NASA are looking at new materials in which to build its computer chips that can withstand the high temperatures of Venus. One option they have discovered so far is based on using silicon carbide-based materials, but what they are gaining in being able to operate for a long time at high temperatures, they are losing their power. But, there may be an answer to that with the help of Timothy Miller and Michael Paul of Pennsylvania State University.
The duo has recently met up with NASA’s Steven Oleson to propose a plan that could see the Stirling engine being used in spacecraft going forward. NASA’s goal with their mission to Venus is to be able to have a machine that will last at least 1 Venusian day, which is the same as 117 Earth days, and Miller and Paul feel that it is the Stirling engine that will allow them to do just that.
By using the Stirling engine, that is used in some refrigeration systems and submarines, the team is confident that it can supply enough power to cool the electronics and supply electricity at the same time. This would give them a much longer operating time than batteries. They also decided to use lithium for the fuel as it is much easier to burn and doesn’t pollute the environment.
So, you can be sure to be seeing and hearing more about our sister planet over the next few years. Although Venus may never be a habitable planet for us to live on, it is always worth exploring so see what we can learn from it and why it is so different to our planet, which is one mystery scientists would love to reveal.
More Info About The Mission, Venus Technology Plan PDF / Article Via, BBC
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