The European Space Agency (ESA) has given the official green light to the EnVision mission, which assures to offer groundbreaking insights into Venus, our nearest planetary neighbor.
Scheduled for liftoff in 2031 aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, EnVision will undertake a thorough examination of Venus, delving into its fiery inner core and exploring its dynamic outer atmosphere. This ambitious endeavor seeks to unravel the planet’s intricate history, geological processes, and extraordinary climate conditions.
“EnVision is all set to revolutionize our comprehension of Venus,” remarked Thomas Voirin, ESA EnVision study manager. “With the mission blueprint firmly established, we’re enthusiastic about transitioning from planning to construction. Our objective is to unravel the mysteries surrounding what may be the most enigmatic terrestrial planet in the Solar System.”
EnVision’s array of advanced instruments will unravel the mysteries of Venus. It will mark the inaugural mission to directly investigate the planet’s subsurface features using a radar sounder, offering insights into its geological dynamics. Additionally, VenSAR, an advanced radar tool, will furnish intricate surface maps, uncovering the planet’s terrain with precision up to 10 meters.
Furthermore, the mission's trio of spectrometers will examine the makeup of Venus's surface and atmosphere, providing valuable information on volcanic gases and potential indications of ongoing volcanic activity. These observations will also help in comprehending the interplay between surface phenomena and atmospheric dynamics.
In addition, the mission will feature a radio science experiment aimed at augmenting the capabilities of these instruments. This experiment will delve into the depths of Venus, examining its internal structure, which includes critical aspects such as the size, composition, and properties of its core and mantle. Simultaneously, it will scrutinize the atmospheric properties, further enriching our understanding of Venus’s intricate dynamics.
Through an examination of the interaction among Venus's surface, interior, and atmosphere, EnVision will assist scientists in reconstructing the planet's geological and climatic history.
The discoveries from the mission could also enrich our understanding of Earth-like exoplanets, advancing our comprehension of habitable zones and planetary evolution throughout the universe.