Scientists of the Moscow Aviation Institute propose to send an unmanned helicopter to Venus to study its surface and volcanoes, RIA Novosti reports referring to the theses of the report presented at the Korolev Academic Readings on Cosmonautics.
Based on the theses of the report, it is assumed that the titanium apparatus will be 70 centimetres in diameter and covered with screen-vacuum thermal insulation. At the same time, to protect the block with scientific equipment inside the helicopter from the high Venusian temperature (467 degrees Celsius) under the outer titanium case, scientists are planning to place a layer of airgel 10 centimetres thick with the addition of titanium oxide.
The unit itself with scientific equipment is placed in a titanium sphere filled with liquid ammonia with a diameter of 60 centimetres. In addition, two coaxial propellers with a diameter of 1 metre are installed in the upper part of the helicopter, as well as a parachute system for braking, in the lower part, there are four support legs 20-40 centimetres long and a drilling rig for collecting soil.
It is specified that Russia plans in November 2029 to send to Venus an automatic station “Venera-D”, consisting of an orbital and landing apparatus for a comprehensive study of the atmosphere of Venus, its surface, internal structure, and surrounding plasma. In addition to it, the Russian programme for the exploration of Venus includes two more missions: in June 2031, to continue the study of the planet’s atmosphere and in June 2034, to deliver samples of the atmosphere, aerosols and, possibly, soil from Venus to Earth.
Ru-Main, 09.07.2021
